This document discusses the transition from Local Involvement Networks (LINks) to Local HealthWatch organizations and the role of HealthWatch England. Key points: 1) Local HealthWatch organizations will replace LINks and have an expanded role, including a seat on health and wellbeing boards to influence decisions. 2) HealthWatch England will be an independent consumer champion located within the Care Quality Commission to represent patients nationally and provide leadership to Local HealthWatch. 3) Pathfinder programs and action learning sets will help support the transition from LINks to Local HealthWatch and allow sharing of best practices.

1. Liberating the NHS HealthWatch DH GATEWAY REF 16419

6. From LINks to Local HealthWatch – continuing LINk functions and acquiring new functions LOCAL HEALTHWATCH ‘ local consumer voice for health and social care’ Influencing Help shape the planning of health and social care services signposting Help people access and make choices about care advisory Advocacy for individuals making complaints about healthcare Strong LOCAL consumer voice on views and experiences to influence better health and social care outcomes Respected, authoritative, influential, credible and very visible within the community from 2013/14 seat on the health and wellbeing board Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy scrutinising quality of service provision informing the commissioning decision-making process empowering people - helping people understand choice providing local, evidence based information representing the collective voice

8. Strengthening the collective voice of patients and the public ‘ Local champion voice’ Local HealthWatch Community groups, Voluntary organisations ‘ National champion voice’ Monitor Carers health and well being board Local authority HealthWatch England The public and patient voice - their views and experiences - influencing better health and social care outcomes Older people Working age individuals Mental health Disability groups … others BME groups OSC / scrutiny function NHS Commissioning Board DH – Secretary of State CQC GP consortia Providers Ombudsman Arrangements will ensure sharing of information to involve, consult and protect the public advisory influencing continuous dialogue

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