Air pollution levels in Greater Manchester are some of the highest in the UK. As air pollution can potentially worsen pre-existing health conditions, Greater Manchester residents are increasingly concerned about the high rates of air pollution and are seeking to find practical, place-based solutions to tackle the issue. In this article, Professor Sheena Cruickshank addresses […]
7-day GP services – can this policy deliver for the NHS?
Failures in patient access to primary care has been suggested as a root cause of the current A&E crisis and was one of the motivating factors for the Government’s 7-day GP services policy. The logic was that improved access would help to relieve pressure on A&E and other emergency services. But is this best use […]
Dementia health check – will more checks lead to more use of services?
It’s Dementia Awareness Week, which this year aims to encourage people who are worried about dementia to confront their worries by addressing dementia directly and seeking support. Brenda Gannon explains how new research indicates this may not mean increased costs to the NHS. In the era of health budget Devolution and integrated health and social […]
Why I’m unconvinced by Cameron localism and DevoManc chatter
DevoManc’s control of health is at the centre of the government’s localism policy – but the policy is a sham, argues David Walker. Lack of attention Since the ‘historic day’ a year ago when the health secretary stood alongside the chancellor in signing the Greater Manchester health devolution deal, Jeremy Hunt has not – it’s fair to […]
Savings, services and silver bullets – is integration all it’s cracked up to be?
Manchester will have its work cut out plugging the funding gap in the current economic climate and greater integration of health and social care, while essential, may not deliver savings or reduced hospital admissions, argues Frances O’Grady. A new architecture With the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act receiving royal assent at the beginning of […]
The Times They Are A Changin’ – but will we see the difference?
The Devolution of health and social care to Greater Manchester this Friday (1 April) is being heralded as the dawn of a new era – one that can deliver the fastest and greatest improvement to the health and wellbeing of 2.8 million people. But, asks Ruth Boaden, will any real change be seen? This time […]