LINk was set up to promote involvement in local health and social care services by getting public views on needs/experiences and making recommendations to improve services. The presentation covers what LINk does, why the meeting is important during its transition period, and how LINk currently operates in Birmingham. Specifically: - LINk gets public input to influence commissioning and provision of services and reports on needed improvements. - This is an important time as LINk transitions and ownership of the health service is discussed. - LINk has a Strategy Group and Action Groups that focus on different areas and issues, like the BEN Action Group on topics such as TB awareness and hospital discharge planning. - Birmingham City Council

1. Introduction to LINk
Janis Deakin, member of Birmingham LINk
and member of the Strategy Group

2. The presentation will cover:
• What LINk is set up to do
• Why we’re here today
• How LINk currently works in Birmingham, and what the transition
looks like
• Where to go to find out more about us

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.
BEN Action Group
Needs of this area, e.g.
TB Awareness
Hospital discharge planning
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.

6. How might you become involved with LINk now?
Come and talk to LINk members and
staff during the breaks today!