ISLANDERS are being invited to have their say in how health and care services are provided here.
A new body, The Local Involvement Network is to become the watchdog for local health and social care provision, effectively replacing the former Patient and Public Involvement Forum.
The IW Council is responsible for setting up the LINk and is currently seeking a ‘host’ organisation to establish and run it.
It is being viewed by the council as an exciting new opportunity for Island communities to help shape the vital services on which many people rely.
“Though we are required by Government to set up LINks, this is an ideal occasion to make health and social care provision as accountable as possible to residents,” said Cllr Dawn Cousins, IW Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing.
“These vital services are provided for the benefit of Island people and it is absolutely right that residents are part of the decision making processes and that they get to hold providers of social and health care to account.
“This sort of public involvement in the services they use is also very much in keeping with our aim of sustainable communities and promoting health and wellbeing.” As part of the process required to set up the LINk, the council has gone out to tender in search of the host organisation. This host will be appointed by September 30.
An engagement board has also been set up to oversee the formation of the LINk.
Any member of the public can be involved in the LINk .
IW Council director of Community Services, Sarah Mitchell, said: “The Isle of Wight LINk will be made up of groups, organisations and individuals interested in having a say in how health and social care services are delivered on the Island.
“It will have various roles including acting as a consultation body for health and social care commissioners and providers. This is very important task and why we are keen that the new organisation is as representative as possible.”
Carol Alstrom, IOW PCT Chief Nurse, added “The LINk has a vital role in patient and public involvement in the NHS and we are looking forward to the wider engagement the LINk will bring.”
For further information on the Island LINk, please contact Louise Biggs, policy and engagement officer, community services on 821000.
