Devolution has been a hot topic in Greater Manchester health and care organisations for a few months now. Public Health England has now joined the party. This means that it’s not just about the services people need when they become ill or need help with their personal care – it’s also about services that aim to stop people becoming ill. The overall aim of GM Devolution is to change Greater Manchester from having some of the worst health outcomes in the country to having better health for all GM residents. The GM Devo team believe that this can be done faster by working together than it can by sticking to the current structures and boundaries.

The GM Devo team have been busy putting things together to help people to understand what it’s all about. This includes: 

•        An ebulletin - you can view it, or sign up, via their website www.gmhealthandsocialcaredevo.org.uk

•        They are planning to run regular briefing sessions for interested people to find out the latest – we’ll let you know when we’re told more about their plans

•        They are active on Twitter (@gmhsc_devo) and are promoting the #gmdevo hashtag, as well as planning twitchats in future weeks

At Healthwatch Oldham we are involved with colleagues across GM and will let you know about opportunities to have your say as soon as we know about them.

This short video from the Kings Fund talks about why capacity in the NHS and particularly in A&E is in the headlines a lot at the moment.

If you have a health concern that isn't urgent please try NHS Choices or phone the NHS 111 service (by dialling 111 from your phone).

Remember that pharmacies, primary care walk in centres and your GP (including their out of hours service) can also provide advice and care if your need is not urgent or it's not a major illness.

If you need emergency care (choking, chest pain, blacking out, significant blood loss & fractures are all considered emergencies by NHS England) – you should visit A&E or dial 999 if you are unable to get there independently.

If you have symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea you should dial 111 in the first instance. They will be able to advise you what to do to get better at the same time as reducing the risk of passing it on to someone else.

Remember Accident & Emergency care is just that - please think about which is the right place to go if you do need care.

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