Local Involvement Networks (LINks)
GVOC are now supporting the development of the Gateshead LINk. They now have their own web pages dedicated to the LINk|.
All the latest news, dates of future meetings, new policies and governance structures, registration forms and minutes from meetings are located on the above site. You can contact GVOC by ringing 0191 478 4103 and ask for Julie or Annie. If you want to speak to Gateshead Council's Lead for LINks ring Andi Parker, Involvement Officer on 0191 433 2346.
Are you the missing LINk ?
We asked the people of Gateshead to come to an information and discussion session on Tuesday 5th February 2008. We wanted people to come and help to decide what some of the early pieces of work the Gateshead LINk might do. Please see the link below for a copy of the Report from the day. If you would like to have a copy sent to your home or work address please contact Andi Parker - her details are on the right hand side of this page.
Gateshead appoints the LINk Host
Following a very thorough tender evaluation process and with the help of local people and members of Patients Forum we have agreed a suitable Host for the Gateshead LINk. Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council ( GVOC ) have been awarded the contract. Please don't hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about what they will do and how they will support local people to get the LINk up and running. Call them on 0191 478 4103.
LINKs
The Government recognises that health and social care services will only get better if we listen and respond to the needs of the people who use them.
One of the main tools the NHS has used to help listen to patients, has been through local Patient Forums. We have 3 of these groups in Gateshead covering the PCT, mental health and the Hospital Trust. Many patient forums have played an important role in helping to improve NHS treatments. However, these forums have also suffered from limitations that have stopped them being as effective as they could be.
In July 2006, the Department of Health published "A Stronger Local Voice". That document set out the Government's proposals for replacing Forums with Local Involvement Networks ( LINks ). Some of the key messages in that document are:
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services get better when they listen to the people who use them and respond to what they want;
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more people need to take an active role in shaping the care they receive but, for this to happen, having your say has to be simple and convenient;
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LINks will establish a system where more people can get involved, in more ways - whether by expressing a view or giving time to represent their communities;
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LINks will build on the current system, drawing together the work of the patient forums as well as the voluntary sector, but they will enable patients to influence key decisions about all care services, whether Council or NHS run (or financed);
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LINks will also provide a way of collecting and amplify the views of more sections of the community - not just those with the confidence to speak out.
We all use Health and Social Care services. They will improve if we have the confidence and ability to say what we want from them. LINks will help make this possible.
LINks are due to become operational in April 2008, if they are to realise their potential then local communities need to start getting ready now.
To find out what we have been doing in Gateshead please have a look at the documents below.
LINks documents
LINks bulletins
There are more Information Bulletins available from the Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk/patientpublicinvolvement|
To find out more about current patient involvement practice or the LINks early adopter sites: www.cppih.org| or www.nhscentreforinvolvement.nhs.uk|
If you have any questions about how we are getting on with this work in Gateshead you can contact the Lead Officer for LINks - Andrea Tickner, Head of Corporate Procurement. Call 0191 433 5995 or e-mail andreatickner@gateshead.gov.uk|
If you would like to get more involved in setting up the Gateshead LINk or attend some of the meetings we've got arranged you can contact: Andi Parker, Community Based Services Involvement Officer. Call 0191 433 2346, mobile/SMS 077667 48915 or e-mail andiparker@gateshead.gov.uk|