Local Involvement Network (LINk)
The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act updated the system of patient and public involvement in England, by requiring that every local authority area should have a Local Involvement Network (LINk). Each local authority has to contract a 'host' organisation to set up and support their area's LINk.
In July 2008, Age Concern Lambeth were appointed as the 'host' organisation for the Lambeth LINk. During February 2009 elections were held for the LINk Steering Group and membership of this group was announced in March 2009. The first Steering Group meeting was held on 1 April 2009.
What is a LINk?
LINks are networks of local people and organisations who support and promote the involvement of patients, service users, the public, and voluntary and community groups in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of their local health and social care services. The LINk is involved in a range of activities. including:
- promote and support involvement in commissioning, provision and scrutiny of local care services
- gather information on local people's views
- enable people to monitor and review local care services
- convey views and make recommendations to decision-makers and service providers
Joining the Lambeth LINk
The LINk is totally independent. It is open to all Lambeth residents, groups and organisations who:
- Are interested in health and social care issues
- Want to find out more about how the NHS, Lambeth Council and other organisations deliver services
- Are keen to influence these bodies and the services they provide
- Want their voice to be heard on health and social care matters across the borough
- Believe it is important that local people play a role in monitoring, advising and influencing local health and social care services
- Have had an experience (good or bad) of health and social care they can share, to help services improve in the future
Find out more about Lambeth LINk
For further information about the LINk, its activities, and the Steering Group, please contact Jeanette Threadgold (Communications Officer) on 020 7274 8522 or email: Jeanette.Threadgold@ageuklambeth.org.uk.
You can also visit the website of the Lambeth LINk at www.lambethlink.org.uk.