Key Points

• Subject matter expertise
• Innovative care redesign
• Planning and risk management
• Clinical Governance
• Stakeholder engagement
• Meeting challenges across a health economy
• Quality output for a lasting care model

The Greater Manchester Clinical Assessment and Treatment Centre (GMCATS) was initially commissioned by 10 Primary Care Trusts across Greater Manchester as part of the Wave II Independent Sector Treatment Centre Scheme delivered by the Department of Health Commercial Directorate.

Dr Jean Challiner of Aspirations Consulting Ltd worked as a Clinical Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Health working on the business case which was presented to the Treasury, the detailed service specification, selection of the independent sector provider and mobilisation of the scheme to go live.

The scheme was large and complex and required strong clinical leadership to manage the many challenges of such a new and innovative service. This included challenges from other parts of the NHS who were fearful that they would lose staff and/or business and that referrals onwards from the scheme would not meet their quality standards. High quality and efficiency was essential. 

At a time when many of the Wave II independent sector schemes were discontinued, the GMCATS scheme was one which the Treasury agreed could go ahead. 

Jean scheduled meetings and events with stakeholders to seek their views and to keep them informed of progress and to make sure they were engaged with the provider organisation. She ensured that robust clinical governance which met the needs not only of the multiple Commissioners but also the Department of Health and the provider organisation, underpinned the service design and delivery. She also liaised with CQC to ensure that regulatory requirements would be met.

The scheme went live on time. Today it is commissioned by 12 CCGs and has seen over a quarter of a million patients over the last six years, making a significant impact on the provision of outpatient services across Greater Manchester.  The scheme has an excellent insight into what is required to provide a safe, effective, innovative, patient centred and value for money service for patients in Greater Manchester, offering care closer to home.