This document summarizes the roles and current state of LINks (Local Involvement Networks) in Sandwell and Birmingham as they transition to new Local Healthwatch organizations. LINks were established to get public input on local health and social care services, enable public monitoring and review of these services, and make recommendations to improve services. As LINks transition out, local councils are consulting on how to develop replacement Healthwatch organizations to continue facilitating public involvement.

1. SWB’s LINks
Introduction to LINk
Pam Jones, Chair of Sandwell LINk, and
Chris Vaughan, Co-Chair of Heart of
Birmingham Action Group
Moving Towards Local Healthwatch

2. SWB’s LINks
Introduction
The presentation will cover:
 What LINk is set up to do.
 Why we’re here today.
 How LINk currently works in Sandwell, and what the
transition looks like.
 How LINk currently works in Birmingham, and what
the transition looks like.
 Where to go to find out more about us.
Moving Towards Local Healthwatch

3. SWB’s LINks
What LINk was set up to do
 To promote and support the involvement of people in
the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of local
health and social care services.
 To get the views of people about their needs for, and
experiences of, health and social care services, and
make those views known to those responsible.
 To enable people to monitor and review the
commissioning and provision of health and care
services.
 To make reports and recommendations about how
health and care services could, or should, be
improved.
Moving Towards Local Healthwatch

4. SWB’s LINks
Why we’re here today
 Important period of transition for engagement.
 Ownership of health service – it is our NHS.
 Working together – partnership approach.
 Vehicles for participation and learning.
 Keeping up to date with changes.
 Need to work out where the patient voice fits.
Moving Towards Local Healthwatch

5. SWB’s LINks
How LINk currently works in Sandwell, and what
the transition looks like.
 A strategic ‘Management Group’, with members sitting
on decision making bodies.
 Subgroups, experience forms
and Open Forums.
 Evidence of trends, e.g. PALS.
 LINk in place until March 2013.
 Collaborative approach to Transition.
 LINk sit on Health and Wellbeing Board.
Moving Towards Local Healthwatch

6. SWB’s LINks
How LINk currently works in Birmingham, and what
the transition looks like.
 Strategy Group oversees the LINk strategically and supports the
LINk’s Work Plan.
 Action Groups – geographic and thematic leading on individual
Work Plans.
 HOB Action Group
 Needs of this area, e.g.
 TB Awareness
 Vitamin D deficiency
 Works with partners such as Birmingham and Solihull NHS
Cluster.
 Healthwatch – Birmingham City Council are currently running a
Healthwatch consultation – how should Healthwatch be
developed in Birmingham.
Moving Towards Local Healthwatch

7. SWB’s LINks
How might you become involved with LINk now?
Come and talk to LINk
members and staff during the
breaks today!
Moving Towards Local Healthwatch