Liverpool LINk is an independent network of local people and groups working with the general public and service providers to identify what aspects or local health and social care services are working and what are not and what could be changed to help it work better. LINk volunteers gather and collate information from patients, service users, carers and other members of the public to inform the planning and commissioning of local services in ways which are based on evidence from the public.
Liverpool LINk ensures that it maintains an overview of the key health and social care issues in the City through having LINk representation at key meeting tables within the current structures in Liverpool. This assists in the identification of potential issues and helps members to decide which priorities to focus on.
Liverpool LINk is one of 152 LINks across England each attached to their own Local Authority area.
Transition from Liverpool LINk to Local Healthwatch
Under the Health and Social Care Bill, Local Involvement Networks - including Liverpool LINk - will become Local Healthwatch organisations. This is expected to happen in April 2013.
Local Authorities are under a duty to ensure that there is an effective and efficient Local Healthwatch in their area and in Liverpool discussions are currently taking place between LINk members, Liverpool City Council and the Primary Care Trust to make arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.
Healthwatch will be an independent consumer champion for the public both locally and nationally, aiming to promote better outcomes in health for all and in social care for adults. If the Health and Social Care Bill goes through as originally planned, Liverpool Healthwatch will be able to:
- Help shape the planning and delivery of local health and social care services - a continuation of Liverpool LINk’s current role;
- Provide information and advice to help people make choices about health and care services;
- Help to advocate for people making a complaint about health or adult care services.
Liverpool has been awarded Healthwatch Pathfinder status which means that the way we do things here can help to inform national developments as well as building on the strong foundation Liverpool LINk has achieved as it evolves into Local Healthwatch.
Volunteer with us!
Liverpool LINk relies on people who are using Liverpool health and social care services telling us what has been good, bad or indifferent about their hospitals, GPs, dentists, care homes and pharmacies, and how they think these services could be improved. We need your help to get this right! If you would like to get involved, please contact a member of the LINk Support Team. You can give as much or as little time as you wish. Training and out of pocket expenses will be given.
To keep up to date and to find out more about our work, contact us on 0151 227 5177 or e-mail info@liverpoollink.org.uk.
www.liverpoollink.org