Last week, we witnessed a shocking and deeply distressing attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day, Yom Kippur.

We utterly condemn those who are responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe.

To our Jewish friends, neighbours, and colleagues, we stand with you. You are an integral part of the fabric of Greater Manchester, we will continue to work closely with community leaders, faith partners, and the police to provide reassurance and support in the days and weeks ahead.

Right now, the spotlight is on us on how we respond, how we come together, and how we care for one another. Greater Manchester has always been at its strongest when we stand side by side. That spirit of solidarity is what defines us, and it’s how we show the world that hate will never win.

And lastly, thank you to all those who responded and supported on the day, not just our health and care workforce, but the police, community volunteers and members of the public.

Following the recent terrorist attack, and as more details emerge in the news, it can continue to be traumatic and triggering for many people. It’s important that you do all you can to look after yourselves and each other as you process what has happened. If you or anyone you know is affected by this incident there is a lot of help out there including the NHS 111 mental health line (call 111 and select option 2, available 24/7) or the GM Bereavement Service (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, call 0161 983 0902 or email gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net)  as well as psychological support available through the Critical Incident and Trauma Service and the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub .

Please do reach out if you need to talk.

Andy Burnham

Mayor of Greater Manchester

Co-chair, Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

Mark Fisher, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) has formally notified the Board of his intention to retire from his role at the end of March 2026, following more than four decades of public service.

He was appointed Chief Executive of NHS GM when it was established in July 2022.

Sir Richard Leese, Chair of NHS GM, commented: "Mark has brought exceptional leadership, clarity and compassion to NHS Greater Manchester during a time when our health and care system faces challenges more complex and acute than ever before. His ability to unite partners around a shared vision for integrated care and population health has left a lasting legacy. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mark for his outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the people of Greater Manchester. We wish him the very best for the future and look forward to appointing a successor who can build on the strong foundations he has helped to establish.”

On Thursday 4 September, All Saints Catholic Primary School, Wigan, were visited by the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson and the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The visit focused on inclusive approaches to education which the school has been praised for in recent Ofsted inspections. All Saints has participated in Greater Manchester’s roll out of the national pilot for the Partnership for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools project, also known as PINS. School leaders shared their passion for inclusivity and the benefits of participating in PINS, which includes Parent Carer Forum support to schools and the commissioning of bespoke support based on the school’s self-assessment of needs.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, met NHS apprentices from Trafford General Hospital to celebrate a £20 million investment scheme to replace a fossil-fuel heating system with cutting-edge green technology.

The pioneering scheme will mean that Trafford, the birthplace of the NHS, will become the first inpatient hospital in the country to have a carbon-zero heating system replace an existing traditional system, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions linked to energy use by up to 92%.

The Mayor joined the apprentices and other estates and facilities staff to visit the hospital’s existing boiler room, which currently still hosts the old equipment ahead of the redevelopment work. The Mayor heard about the environmental and financial benefits which the investment will deliver by creating a permanent zero-carbon system as part of a wider commitment to reduce the Trust’s carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency across its estate.

Viaduct Care CIC has celebrated two years at the Merseyway Innovation Centre with an event highlighting its achievements and partnerships. The organisation was delighted to welcome Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and NHS Greater Manchester CEO Mark Fisher, who heard about the impact of the WorkWell service. Team members presented their work and insights from the One Stockport and Live Well initiatives, supported by a moving account from service a service user. Attendees also enjoyed a guided tour of the new Stockroom cultural centre, led by representatives from Stockport Council.

The day concluded with a workshop on frailty support, bringing colleagues together to explore ways of improving care for some of Stockport’s most vulnerable residents over the winter months.

You can now read the full report on NHS Greater Manchester’s public consultation on adult ADHD services in the city region.

More than 2,500 people got involved through surveys, focus groups, workshops, calls, emails, texts, and pop-up stalls during the eight-week consultation between Wednesday 23 April and Tuesday 17 June 2025.

People strongly supported the proposed model, which focuses on quicker access and prioritising those most in need. Feedback highlighted the need for a more caring service that supports everyone with ADHD symptoms, diagnosed or not. Participants asked for ADHD-friendly services with faster triage, diagnosis, practical help, and resolution of shared care issues. Many also want to be involved in shaping services to ensure they meet the needs of people with neurodiversity.

Findings, alongside clinical evidence, will inform the final service model. Updates will be shared on the NHS GM website and directly with stakeholders. 

For more information, contact: gmhscp.engagement@nhs.net or 07786 673762 (call, text or WhatsApp).

Salford Royal Hospital has launched a new initiative to improve patient experience and help reduce waiting times in the emergency department. 

Care by Appointment is aimed at reducing overnight waiting times for patients with minor injuries who attend the emergency department between 10pm and 6am, who can receive timely care in a more comfortable and appropriate setting. 

The Maternity Department at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a Certificate of Commitment as its first step towards gaining recognition from the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Baby Friendly Initiative. The certificate was presented to staff by Sharon Hyde, Divisional Director of Midwifery and Nursing, back in August at Stepping Hill Hospital.

The next phase of the winter vaccine programme is now live and eligible adults over 65 and those with long-term health conditions are urged to come forward. 

To support with uptake we have added assets for these cohorts to our campaigns resource centre. These sit alongside resources available to promote winter vaccinations to those who are pregnant, children aged 2 -3 and school aged children.  

A number of resources in community languages including videos and leaflets are also now available to download to support improving uptake in all our communities in Greater Manchester. 

The quickest and easiest way to support our campaign is by sharing #KeepProtected posts on your social media channels. If you don’t already follow us, you'll find us here:

Facebook @NHSGreaterManchester         Instagram @nhs_gm

Please do continue to support the campaign by getting vaccinated yourself if you are eligible and by using and sharing our resources.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirm that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children. 

Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. A major study conducted in Sweden in 2024, involving 2.4 million children found no evidence that paracetamol causes autism in pregnancy.

NHS England has shared the MHRA statement on X and Facebook and wider NHS organisations may wish to consider doing similar. Please keep the regional media team updated if you are planning to do this by emailing england.nwmedia@nhs.net.

The “Don’t Brush It Under the Carpet” campaign in Greater Manchester is aimed to encourage conversation and challenge stigma about older people’s mental health difficulties. In the second phase of this work, partners including NHS GM and the Mature Minds Matter lived experience group, have collaborated to create information booklets for older people and carers and loved ones providing information about self-harm. On Wednesday 1 October, the annual United Nations International Day of Older People, NHS GM launched these booklets to continue to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to inform and mobilise the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people.  

These information booklets are available to download free of charge at the Shining a Light on Suicide website.

Please do share this information  far and wide and let’s ensure the important conversation about older people’s mental health continues!

Stoptober is back, and if you’re a smoker we’re encouraging you to join millions who’ve already quit. Over five million adults still smoke, and it causes 75,000 deaths a year, making it the nation’s biggest cause of preventable illness and death.

Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, and if you quit for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to stop for good. It is especially important to stop when pregnant, to protect your baby from tobacco smoke to give them the healthiest start in life, to find support and resources you can visit our website.

Stoptober offers a wide range of tools, including the free NHS Quit Smoking app, the Personal Quit Plan, local stop smoking services, a Smokefree Facebook group, and advice on aids such as nicotine replacement therapies, medicines, and vaping.

This October we celebrate Black History Month (BHM) as it gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe.

This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people – leaders, activists, or pioneers – who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.

As World Mental Health Day approaches on Friday 10 October, NHS GM is celebrating an innovative approach to healthcare that’s swapping consulting rooms for community gardens and prescriptions for park life. The Green Social Prescribing (GSP) programme, which has been running across the city-region over the last few years, is proving that a connection with nature can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and tackling health inequalities.

If you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from connecting with a nature-based activity, please speak to your GP to find out more about social prescribing in your area. For organisations and stakeholders interested in supporting or learning more about this work, please get in touch vi email nhsgm.sustainability@nhs.net 

Every year on September 13, worldwide awareness of sepsis continues. Sepsis is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths globally, yet it remains dangerously overlooked.

Linden House in Rochdale, marked World Sepsis Day with interactive sessions focused on awareness, prevention, and timely action. Staff took part in scenario-based learning, PPE and hand hygiene refreshers, while residents and families attended accessible sessions on recognising and responding to sepsis. The day strengthened staff development, reassured residents, and reinforced the ongoing commitment to safe, high-quality care.

A woman from Bury has praised a mental health service for helping her rediscover hope, independence and a sense of self after decades of living with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ali, 52, was referred to NHS Bury Talking Therapies, provided by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, earlier this year by her community mental health nurse.

Ali’s therapy was delivered remotely, which she found especially helpful due to her difficulty leaving the house. She praised the service’s flexibility, which allows people to choose preferences such as remote or in-person sessions. Now discharged from the service, Ali is looking forward to the future.

NHS Health at Work Network Celebrates Occupational Health Success with its 2025 Recognition Awards

The NHS Health at Work Recognition Awards (OHPRAS) took place on 10 September in Kenilworth, celebrating excellence in occupational health across the NHS. We are proud to share that the NHS North West Regional Partnership has won the Innovation Award for its Wellbeing Cultures project.

The NHS North West Regional Partnership consists of a number of member Trusts, our three North West Integrated Care Boards (ICB) and NHS England North West. Their winning entry focuses on the creation of an innovative, multi-platform resource to empower managers in creating positive wellbeing cultures and making high-quality occupational health (OH) referrals.

Great work celebrated as part of World Patient Safety Day

Congratulations to Jaine Jennings, lead midwife for governance at Northern Care Alliance, who was named the winner of the safety award as part of World Patient Safety Day 2025.

Jaine’s dedication to listening to women and families and driving real change has made an extraordinary impact in just two years.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) holds the awareness day each year to underline the importance of reducing and removing as much risk as possible for people using health and care services. This year, they focused on the importance of every child having the right to safe, quality health care from the very beginning.

Ashbourne Nursing Home achievement

Ashbourne Nursing Home in Norden, Rochdale, has been recognised for excellence in Infection Prevention and Control, achieving a Green Award in its recent assurance visit. Jane Mitchell, Infection Prevention and Control Support Officer, visited the home to personally congratulate the team on this outstanding achievement, which reflects their ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety for residents.