The redundancies at the end of January were to comply with requirements to reduce ICB running costs to £19 per head.

Colin Scales, acting chief executive, NHS Greater Manchester: ‘Like other Integrated Care Boards across England, NHS Greater Manchester has been required to reduce its running costs as part of national NHS changes.'

The ICB said it had launched a second phase of applications for voluntary redundancy.

Scales added: ‘We have already identified £6m in operating costs, ensured critical services are maintained and are using voluntary redundancy carefully to protect essential services and key roles where possible.

‘Many people see the building and services that make up the NHS, but they don't always see the work that goes into running such a large and complex system. Every colleague, including those leaving through voluntary redundancy, has made a valued contribution to this. We are deeply grateful for the professionalism, commitment and pride our staff have shown in serving the people of Greater Manchester. We remain committed to supporting all staff through this period of change.'

Over 300 redundancy requests were confirmed by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB last month ahead of its merger with Norfolk and Waveney ICB.