North West businesses have a part to play in NHS reform

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LEADING healthcare professionals gathered together at the inaugural event to discuss the changes and opportunities for business in the North West healthcare sector.

The event – sponsored by RBS - was chaired by leading healthcare TV correspondent, Elaine Wilcox, and Mike Farrar, chief executive of NHS North West, discussed what overhauling the NHS will really mean for business.

The NHS is undergoing its biggest reform in 60 years and Farrar believes the financial and professional services sector will play a major role.

Of the 55 GP pathfinder consortia spearheading the Government’s plans to hand commissioning over to GP groups, the North West has the largest number with 12 consortia’s which will be responsible for 2.5 million of the region’s population.




Farrar stated that GPs will need support taking over resource and budgetary responsibilities and, with 46 per cent cuts in NHS management due, consortias will need HR advice from the private sector.


Mike Farrar said: “A shocking 30 per cent of people in North West hospitals don’t need to be there. The private business sector needs to help the NHS to have a more market- focused and efficient approach.”

A panel – made up of Karen Chadwick, chief executive of Apex Health and Social Care; Dame Betty Kershaw, Dean at the School of Nursing and Midwifery; Ian Hardcastle, head of UK healthcare at RBS; Richard Lee, co-owner of The Marketing Clinic and Dr Gerald O’Shea, a GP in inner city Manchester – discussed the challenges faced in the NHS and how business can drive change.
David Potter, director of healthcare business at RBS and the chair of pro.manchester’s healthcare group said:
“This first pro.manchester event focusing on healthcare has highlighted a need for best practice to be shared between the NHS and private business. That’s why we have formed this healthcare-focus group for the regions financial and professional service sector.

“What’s also clear is the professional services sector has a responsibility to get a better understanding the healthcare market and NHS cashflows.”

The pro.manchester event was attended by more than 90 professionals and the next in the series is planned for February 2011.

for more information about the Healthcare Initiative please contact Robina Williams

This event was hosted by