What is it?

The Wolverhampton LINk is part of a Central Government programme designed to ensure that local people have a better say in local health and social care services. The LINk replaces the patients forum that ran until the end of March this year.

How will it be delivered in Wolverhampton?

WVSC are working a partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau to act as host to the LINk. We will recruit LINk members, set up a steering group and support it to establish the way in which the LINk will work and provide information and support to the LINk membership.

LINks will be “critical friends” to service providers but they will have teeth too. In particular commissioners of future service developments will need to consult and understand the views of LINks. There will also be rights for LINk members to visit and inspect facilities, and service providers will have to respond to LINk opinions.

Who can join the LINk?

The LINk is open to all people living or working in Wolverhampton. This will include people who currently use services, representatives of groups with an interest in Health and Social Care and the general public.

What progress has been made?

We have recruited a LINk Co-ordinator called Jane Viner, Jane has spent many years in Wolverhampton supporting “experts by experience” who have used Mental Health Services to have a say over how those services are delivered. The CAB has recruited a part time researcher who will provide information and support to LINk members.

What next?

We will be contacting people who have expressed an interest in joining the LINk. We will also be publicising the LINk across the City.

How can I find out more?

If you want to find out more about the Wolverhampton LINk you can:

• Watch out for publicity across the City and in publications like the voic
• Keep an eye on this website which will provide an update on developments
• Go to our very own website www.WolverhamptonLINk.co.uk
• Go to one of these websites:
  • Department of Health
    http://www.dh.gov.uk/patientpublici...
  • NHS - The National Centre for Involvement
    http://www.nhscentreforinvolvement....
  • The Commission for Pateient and Publc Involvement in Health (CPPIH)
    http://www.cppih.org
  • Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP)
    http://www.csip.org.uk/

Please contact:

Jane Viner
LINk Co-ordinator
Tel: 01902 328973
 

Shooky Devi
LINk Administrator
Tel: 01902 328973
 

Pav Mainn
Community Engagement Worker
Tel: 01902 328973
 

Kal Patel
Admin Assistant
Tel: 01902 328973