BURY has been given top marks for its dementia care services.

NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been rated as 'good' by NHS England and 'outstanding' for dementia care in its annual assessment of CCGs.

It was one of 99 to get a positive review, including Bolton CCG, with a further 21 receiving an 'outstanding' rating.

NHS Blackburn with Darwen CCG, was one of 66 to be been told they required improvement, while 23 are rated inadequate.

Pat Jones-Greenhalgh, Bury Council interim chief executive and national directors of adult social services lead for dementia, said: “Bury’s outstanding assessment for dementia by an independent clinical panel is really great news for Bury.

"We are committed to delivering first class care and support to people living with dementia and their families.

"The ‘outstanding’ assessment of these services is a credit to all teams working hard in Bury to provide innovative and high quality care now and in the future to ensure that people living with dementia and their carers have a good quality of life."

The overall ratings are derived from performance in key areas including an assessment of CCG leadership, performance and financial management.

Bury was judged as 'good' for factors including end of year finance and leadership.

It also fell within the best in the country for access to GP services; dementia diagnosis rates and post diagnostic support; choices in maternity services; learning disability annual health checks; mental health services and personal health budgets.

CCG chief officer Stuart North added: "Whilst performance in some areas remained a challenge last year, our ‘Good’ annual assessment rating demonstrates our ability to find solutions in challenging situations.

"This acknowledgement is a credit to all colleagues working within the health and social care economy in Bury.

"Whilst we are pleased with our Good rating, we are not complacent and there is always more to do. We will continue to actively work with our partners and providers of services locally to plan and improve in the future."

At the July meeting of the CCG governing body, Mr North said Bury had committed to improving dementia care, including taking steps to be a dementia friendly town.

Dr. Jeffrey Schryer praised the work of the town's GPs in the initiatives.

He said: "GPs have taken ownership and responsibility to identify people with dementia and their care plan there after.

"In many areas of the country it is the hospital that lead on this, but I believe we have got it right in Bury."

Further rating results from NHS England are expected later this year, with assessments in areas including diabetes care.