What is a Local Involvement Network (LINk)?
Local Involvement Networks (LINks) have been set up by the Government through the Department of Health, to give communities a stronger voice in how their local health and social care services are delivered. LINks are independent and made up of networks of local people and groups.
LINks have been set the tasks of finding out what local people like and dislike about local health and social care services; investigating and reviewing these findings and bringing these to the attention of the people that commission and manage health and social care services. The aim is to help to improve and shape local health and social care services to meet local needs. LINks have statutory powers to help them carry out their tasks.
How does the Reading LINk work?
- Anyone can refer a concern
- Anyone can provide feedback on their health & social care
- Contact can be made by e-mail/phone/letter
- LINk do not deal with individual complaints
We will then ask the referrer about:
- Nature & detail of the issue/feedback
- Examples/experiences around the issue
- Expected outcome from the referrer
- Extent to which they may like to be involved (but this is not necessary)
The LINk Board will then consider whether the issue should be taken forward, which may involve undertaking further research. One of the ways that this could happen is to assign the issue to a Task and Finish Group, who fully review it and agree an action plan. To find out more about the projects being undertaken by the Task and Finish Groups, please click here