Call for consultation on GP commissioning

NHS OLDHAM
SWEEPING changes to local health services in which GPs will be given the power to decide how services are provided should be sent out to the public for comment.

The call came from NHS Oldham board member Peter Dean, who said: “There are risks around any major transfer. The public are going to be hit with this and the information has not gone into the public domain for comment and question.

“Accountability will be at Greater Manchester level rather than at local level. We must make sure we provide a continuing and effective service while these changes take place.”

The new body, the GP Commissioning Consortia, will be responsible for commissioning healthcare for the people of Oldham.

It is expected to have 13 voting members, the majority with a clinical background, as well as a number of advisory members who will take part in discussions but have no voting rights.

NHS Oldham, the primary care trust currently responsible for commissioning health services, will be abolished in April, 2013.