Local Involvement Network (LINk)

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) have replaced Patient and Public Involvement Forums. They have been given a wider responsibility than the PPI Forums as they will be involved in Social Care issues as well as Health issues.

What is a LINk?

A LINk is made up of individuals, groups and organisations who are interested in improving health and social care services. Each Local Authority area has its own LINk but the LINk is independent of the Local Authority and decides on the work it will do.

The aim of the LINk is to involve as many people as possible from as many backgrounds as possible so that the views of the community are truly represented.

There are different ways of contributing to the LINk such as by being a core member and meeting regularly, by participating on a one off basis about a specific topic you are concerned about or perhaps by helping with LINk projects.

What does the LINk do?

It actively seeks the views and experiences of as many people in the community as possible on health and social care and so gives everyone the opportunity to say what they think about local health and social care services, what they think is working well and what's not working well.

It gives everyone the chance to be involved in the planning of health and social care services.

It can enter premises of health and social care providers to look at how they operate and make reports and recommendations.

It will feedback what people say about health and social care services to service providers and commissioners so that things can change for the better.

It can also refer matters to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Stockton-on-Tees LINk

If you are interested in participating in the Stockton LINk or would like more information please contact us.