Doncaster Local Involvement Network (LINk)

What is Doncaster LINk?

Doncaster LINk is a Network of Networks involving and representing the view and concerns of voluntary community groups, patients, carers and individual members of the public that will influence health and social care services.

Doncaster LINk was established in response to the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Doncaster Council has commissioned the Carers Federation Limited as LINk Host to facilitate the ongoing development and implementation of the LINk.

The Health and Social Care Bill introduced into Parliament on 19 January 2011, introduces a proposal to establish a Local HealthWatch to replace LINks from April 2013. The Bill contains provisions covering five themes:

• strengthening commissioning of NHS services
• increasing democratic accountability and public voice
• liberating provision of NHS services
• strengthening public health services
• reforming health and care arm’s-length bodies

The Bill is currently in the process of passage through Parliament. To keep up to date with the progress of the Bill, visit the Parliament website.

The Department of Health has published a HealthWatch Transition Plan, which outlines the key issues for LINks, their host organisations and local authorities during 2011/12, prior to the establishment of HealthWatch. The preparations they can make and the support that will be available.

Why do we need the LINk/HealthWatch?

Changes to how health and social care services are run have resulted in greater choice for the people who use these services, about which services they get and where they get them from. Doncaster LINk does not replace services that are already working for the community, it brings together these services and the community to ensure that all are working more closely than ever before. The intention is to make it easier for groups and individuals to have their opinions heard. The LINk gives everyone the opportunity and encourages them to get involved in how their local Health and Social Care services are planned and delivered.

The job of the LINk is to: 

• Represent all parts of the community 

• Engage with and consult the community 

• Assist in the planning of health and social care services 

• Feedback any issues with services so that improvements can be made 

• Share information and develop good practice

Why should you get involved in Doncaster LINk?

There are a number of benefits of becoming involved in the Doncaster LINk, these include:

• Get attention for neglected issues or ideas 

• Influence those who make decisions about new or existing services 

• Help your community speak with a stronger local voice 

• Help services provide better care

Who can get involved in the Doncaster LINk?

Anyone can be part of a LINk. We want to ensure that the Doncaster LINk represents everyone. This means all different groups and individuals in Doncaster will be able to join in and have their say, everyone’s view matters. LINk members could include:

• Organisations led by patients, service users and patients 

• Local Voluntary and community organisations 

• Individuals

You do not have to be a LINk member you can choose how you want to participate or contribute to the LINk. You could choose to make your views heard by:

• Participating in health and social care surveys;
• By reporting your concerns to the LINk members by telephone, letter, email or in person
• Attending LINk meetings

If you require any further information please contact the people named below:

Dave Dutton
Team Leader
Doncaster LINk Host
Doncaster Business Innovation Centre
Ten Pound Walk
Doncaster
DN4 5HX

Telephone: 01302 554970
Email: d.dutton@carersfederation.co.uk

More local information about what is happening with the Doncaster LINk can be obtained from: www.doncasterlink.co.uk

John Leask
Policy & Partnership Officer
Doncaster Council SSSC Policy & Change Team
Council House
Doncaster
DN1 3AJ

Telephone: 01302 737414
Email: john.leask@doncaster.gov.uk

National guidance and information on LINks can be obtained from the National Centre for Involvement website, please use this link: www.nhscentreforinvolvement.nhs.uk/index.cfm?Content=143