| Reference | FOI2026/2077 |
|---|---|
| Description | Single point of access (SPoA) for referral and advice and guidance requests |
| Date Requested | 02/10/2026 |
| Date Replied | 15/10/2026 |
| Category | Specialised Commissioning |
ICBs are expected to identify the ten specialties they intend to focus on by 1 October 2026 and ensure these operate via a single point of access (SPoA) for referral and advice and guidance requests.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would like to request the following information:
Have you implemented SPoA in your ICB area?
NHS Greater Manchester has commenced implementation of Single Points of Access (SPoA) across a number of specialties. Implementation is being undertaken on a phased basis across providers and localities.
ICBs were supposed to identify 10 specialties you intend to focus on for SPoA by 1 October. Have you done so?
Each trust has agreed at least 10 specialities to start with, with the exception of Tameside FT who are currently only planning to go live with 7 this month, due to capacity issues in other specialities
Please list the ten areas?
Cardiology, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT), Gastroenterology are common across all 6 GM trusts. The remaining specialities vary from trust to trust based on each Trusts own individual Elective pressures.
Did you consult with:
LMC/s (please name the LMC/s)?
Yes – Engagement has taken place through the Greater Manchester Local Medical Committee (GM LMC)
GP Federation/s (please name the GP federation/s)?
Yes – all GM GP Federations via Greater Manchester GP Board
Other GP organisations (please give details/names of organisations)?
Yes. NHS Greater Manchester has engaged with Greater Manchester GP Board.
A webinar for all GM GP practices was held in April 2026 to support General Practice understanding of SPoA. Jointly delivered ICB and NHS Trust webinars for GP have taken place in Bury, Bolton and Tameside in Sept-Oct 2026, with further webinars planned for the remaining 7 localities over Oct and Nov 2026.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust:
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust:
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust:
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust:
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust:
Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:
