Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been rated ‘outstanding’ for the second year in a row.

All CCGs are assessed by NHS England every year and their performance is ranked as outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

Su Long, chief officer of Bolton CCG, said: “We are delighted that we have once again been rated as outstanding.

“While the assessment was carried out before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, it will provide a boost to all our CCG staff and our GP member practices who are now dealing with the challenges of Covid-19.

“Achieving an outstanding rating is only possible because of the hard work of our staff, member practices and partner organisations. I’d like to thank them for their commitment.”

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of Bolton CCG, added: “This would be good news in a normal year but it is particularly welcome given the current challenges we are facing."

“It will stand us in good stead as we continue to deal with coronavirus while at the same time making sure that people can access the health and care services they require.

“We continuously strive to do what’s best for our local residents, providing them with access to the most appropriate and best quality health services, and we work closely with our partners to achieve this.”

As well as an overall rating of ‘outstanding’ Bolton CCG also received a Green Star rating for its Quality of Leadership – again the highest possible rating, and a Green rating for finance.