Healthy set of figures for GP-led group

THE body set up to commission health services in Oldham has recorded a £6.8 million budget surplus in its first year.

The Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group started work in April 2013 following an NHS restructure that abolished primary care trusts.

All 46 GP practices across Oldham are members of the CCG and the organisation, led by a governing body, is responsible for deciding how health services are commissioned within the CCG’s £300 million budget.

The group’s first annual report — online at www.oldhamccg.nhs.uk — reveals the CCG has met its financial targets and has money left over.

Chadderton GP Dr Ian Wilkinson, the CCG’s chief clinical officer, said: “Despite the challenges that face the NHS we keep our triple aim at the forefront of our decision-making — to improve the health of the people of Oldham, to improve the care they receive and their experience of it and to deliver the best value for money by using our resources effectively.”