Finances healthy ahead of GP takeover

PCT balances books after taking ‘difficult decisions’

NHS Oldham says it is now in financial balance in preparation for doctors taking control of services.

Bosses say Oldham NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will be handed a strong financial legacy when it takes charge of the £300 million budget.

The primary care trust has saved £31 million over the last two years, putting it in one of the strongest financial positions in Greater Manchester.

Chadderton GP Dr Ian Wilkinson, the CCG’s accountable officer, said: “The CCG has been working closely with NHS Oldham. Saving this amount of money is not an easy thing to do. In the years ahead we need to be innovative and efficient, reduce waste and squeeze all we can out of every pound we spend on the NHS and public services in Oldham. I’m confident that if we keep working together we can do this.”

NHS Oldham still needs to save another £30 million over the next three years.