Health care change

ADULTS with learning difficulties who leave hospital but need continuing health care will now be managed by Oldham Council.

It has become responsible for commissioning services totalling several million pounds annually rather than the local primary care trust, NHS Oldham.

The move is part of the Government’s Valuing People Now scheme.

Councillor Brian Lord, Cabinet member for adult services and health, said patients would not notice any difference due to the administrative change.

He added: “This decision will still see these two partners playing to their strengths and delivering vital services to some of our most vulnerable citizens.

“We will be bringing the financial organisation under one roof in order to make use of the council’s commissioning experience, while ensuring that NHS Oldham can continue to concentrate on delivering valuable care to those who need it most.”