Merger moves a step closer
APOTENTIAL L merger r between Hal- ton and Warrington n clinical commission- ing groups (CCGs) ) might have taken a step closer l after f it was revealed a review is under way over whether to create a shared management team.
Steve Brine MP, parliamentary under-secretary for health, revealed the assessment is taking place in reply to a question from Halton MP Derek Twigg.
Mr Twigg has previously expressed concerns that a merger could be on the cards and could reduce accountability for patients.
Uncertainty has been looming over the future of Halton CCG amid speculation about its finances and delays in appointing a permanent chief officer.
Dr Andrew Davies, Warrington CCG’s chief officer, has been occupying the role on an interim basis since February 1, following the departure of Simon Banks from Halton CCG to Wirral in April last year and his successor Dave Sweeney’s exit on secondment to develop a five-year NHS spending plan.
Halton CCG has said it has ‘robust’ plans to resolve its deficit.
Mr Twigg also asked whether Dr Davies was undertaking any extra hours to accommodate being the head of two CCGs. Mr Brine said he works set hours. He said: “Dr Andrew Davies, chief clinical officer at Warrington and Halton NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups, is currently undertaking an assessment for a proposed single management team. ●
“Following this review, a report of the preliminary findings will be presented to the audit committees of both Halton and Warrington CCGs in April, for discussion and decision.
“The clinical chief officer is contracted to work 37.5 hours per week.
“The CCG does not record actual hours worked.”