HEALTH commissioners in Bolton have won an award for keeping on top of their finances.

The NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was presented with an award on Thursday for best new organisation by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

The award was given to the CCG in recognition of its development since it was established last April, and for its financial achievements.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of the CCG, welcomed the award but said there were still testing times ahead.

Dr Bhatiani said: “This is a significant accom-plishment for NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group and it is a testament to the hard work of our staff, GP members, and our board.

“Of course, we also work closely with our local partners, including the Foundation Trust, Bolton Council and Healthwatch Bolton, and this is a recognition of strong partnership working in the borough.”

He added: “These are testing times for the NHS and there will be further challenges ahead, but I am confident that we have a great team here in Bolton.”

The CCG has had its funding capped by the Government and must save £8 million this year to avoid a deficit.

Its target is to save £18 million by the start of next year so it can invest in community and GP services.

The CCG has set a special scheme called the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention programme (QIPP) to save money and improve the quality of services.

Ways of saving money include reducing wasted prescriptions, using technology to free up doctors’ time and avoiding unnecessary trips to hospital.