02.09.16
Council chief executive appointed as CCG lead
The chief executive of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council has been appointed as the interim accountable officer of NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG as part of plans to closer integrate the area’s health and social care services.
Steven Pleasant’s appointment is part of Tameside’s Care Together initiative, which is intended to implement a place-based approach to care.
Care Together brings together NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, and Tameside Hospital NHS FT to deliver services though an integrated care organisation guided by a single commissioning function with a £442m joint budget.
Pleasant said: “This is an exciting time for health and social care in Tameside and Glossop. The new model of care, Care Together, helps local people to make the right health choices.
“It will support those most at risk of developing poor health, thereby reducing reliance on costly specialist services. People are supported to stay well, be independent and in control of their own health and the services they receive.”
Care Together is one of a number of initiatives being trialled to improve care by building a closer working relationship between the health service and social care. Manchester city council, for example, is seeking joint commissioning powers with Manchester’s three CCGs.
Dr Alan Dow, a Glossop GP and chair of NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Steven’s calibre appointed to the role as interim accountable officer of the CCG. He has a strong track record of leading Tameside Council during challenging times and continues to ensure the very best services and outcomes for local people.
“Steven’s appointment also enables our development of a single commissioning function to move closer, supporting our overall vision to improve health and social care across Tameside and Glossop.”
The CQC recently piloted a new inspection method for both health and social care services in Tameside.
(Image c. Care Together)
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