Burnham says Starmer’s NHS reforms “a risk” to preventative healthcare in Greater Manchester 

Liberal Democrats say efforts to deliver healthcare in communities being “cut off at the knees” by Prime Minister

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed that frontline health services in Greater Manchester have been put “at risk” by the governments reforms to NHS England. 

At a Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting, Burnham took questions from councillors on the progress of ‘Live Well’ - the regions preventative healthcare strategy designed to deliver health services in the heart of communities, keep people out of hospital; and relieve pressure on GPs. 

The ‘Live Well’ has received cross party support and is already delivering results across Greater Manchester including in Trafford, Stockport and Wigan. But the NHS staff who coordinate the local Live Well schemes have been caught up in government-led NHS England cuts that could see as many as 400 NHS staff across Greater Manchester made redundant by April. 

Trafford Liberal Democrat Councillor, Shaun Ennis asked Burnham, “Is this a case of Greater Manchester delivering preventative healthcare that’s actually working, but being cut off at the knees by the Prime Minister’s NHS England Reforms?” 

Burnham responded by saying that Starmer’s NHS cuts pose “a risk” to Live Well services. Officers from the Combined Authority stated that the government plans meant a staff reductio of 39% for some NHS roles across Greater Manchester. Burnham has again refused to rule out a Labour Leadership challenge as rumours continue to swirl. It is clear that Burnham and Starmer do not see eye to eye on the future of the NHS. 

Speaking after the meeting, Lib Dem Councillor Shaun Ennis said, “It’s impossible to overstate just how much good the Live Well strategy is doing. In my community, local teams are delivering all kinds of targeted services like dementia cafes, parenting classes, a new bike library and mental health services. All linked to the Live Well approach.” 

“The long term aim is to help alleviate the pressure on hospitals and GP surgeries. In a climate where people are losing faith with politics because of a lack of change, Live Well is actually starting to deliver real change that people can see. It’s depressing to see Keir Starmer’s government put all that at risk.” 

More info on Live Well can be found here in the Greater Manchester Overview and Scrutiny Committee from September 24th: democracy.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx