Renewed calls for scrutiny of Northern Care Alliance as only 48% of cancer patients seen within two months

Oldham Council’s Liberal Democrat Group have once again renewed their calls for greater scrutiny of the Northern Care Alliance (NCA), which runs NHS services in the borough after latest NHS figures reveal that only 48% of cancer patients in Oldham are being seen for urgent treatment within two months.  The national target is 85%. 

Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care councillor Louie Hamblett said, “It has been clear for some time now, that the government has abandoned the NHS.  Our local services are struggling.  In the absence of proper leadership from the government, local councillors need work with healthcare leaders to get the best possible outcomes for Oldham residents during what is going to be a very difficult winter.” 

Councillor Hamblett has written to representatives from Northern Care Alliance, renewing calls for a joint scrutiny board in partnership with Oldham Council.

Councillor Hamblett said, “Oldham Council cannot afford to be spectators on the side lines while local health services are failing.”

“Councillors have a responsibility to work with local NHS services and to ask the tough questions.  The Council’s leadership must now join the Liberal Democrats in calling for a proper scrutiny body for the Northern Care Alliance, because without one, people across Oldham will not have a voice when it comes to their health service.”        

RE: Joint scrutiny board for Oldham and Northern Care Alliance

Dear Dr Craig and Heather Caudle

Following discussion at the special meeting of Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board, I am writing to reaffirm the support of Liberal Democrat Group for the creation of a joint scrutiny board in partnership between Oldham Council and Northern Care Alliance. 

Oldham Liberal Democrats strongly believe that – given the enormous pressures facing our local services and in the context of the significant reorganisation that the NHS is facing in Greater Manchester – now is the time for councillors and healthcare professionals to work together in the public interest. 

A formal scrutiny board would give structure and accountability to that shared ambition and remains the strongest option available to us in the effort to drive sustained improvements and advocate for resources and investment needed in Oldham. 

I hope that the Leadership of Northern Care Alliance will agree, and that work can begin without delay. 

Best wishes,

Councillor Louie Hamblett Crompton Liberal Democrat

Real Opposition Member for Health and Social Care