Three individuals wearing lanyards stand smiling in front of a backdrop with the NHS and Greater Manchester logos. Two are wearing red tops and one is in a beige blouse.

The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network comes under a single leadership structure this month.

Claire O’Rourke, the Managing Director of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and the Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network, with Miss Susi Penney, Medical Director, and Alison Armstrong, Associate Director, who will support with her new role.

This comes as Chris Sleight, former Chief Officer, and Katie Moss, former Programme Director, leave the Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network for retirement and new opportunities.

Claire O’Rourke, Managing Director for the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, will undertake the joint leadership role to work across both organisations with support from Miss Susi Penney, Medical Director and Alison Armstrong, Associate Director at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance.

Claire O’Rourke said:

“I’d like to give a huge thank you to Chris and Katie for their dedication and commitment over the last five years in delivering many successful programmes of work and wish them every success in the future.

“Bringing the Cancer Alliance and the Diagnostics Network together under a single leadership presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen both cancer and diagnostic services for people across Greater Manchester.”

There are significant pieces of work to be delivered across both the Cancer Alliance and the Diagnostics Network which will continue in line with annual plans and planning guidance. The collaboration is also aligned with the vision of the NHS 10 Year Plan and will ensure that all efforts contribute to system-wide transformation and improved outcomes for patients.