News Release - Trafford Local Involvement Network update

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Trafford Local Involvement Network update

31 March 2008

Current Patient and Public Involvement forums, the local bodies established to support involvement in health services across the country, will cease on 31 March. They are being replaced by Local Involvement Networks which will have the remit to cover social care services as well as health services. Trafford Council, its health partners and voluntary sector representatives are continuing their work not only to appoint a host organisation to develop and support the Trafford LINk by July 2008, but also make sure that robust interim arrangements are in place to continue the important work of the forums between the end of March and the start of July.

As the new consultation body scrutinising local health and social care services, the Trafford LINk will have wider scope than the current forum and, importantly, will offer local people the chance to get involved and make a real difference to how important services are provided. The new LINk will offer them the chance to do this in a way that suits them, rather than having to commit themselves to sitting in lengthy meetings, making it much more flexible.

Since work started last year on the process of appointing an independent host organisation to support the LINk, it has been recognised that robust transitional arrangements must be in place. These will make sure that none of the valuable work already carried out, or any of the important issues which arise in the first few months are lost or diluted as the host organisation 'finds its feet'.

Corporate Director of Customer and Corporate Services Emma Alexander said work continues to gather together all relevant previous consultation and issues and comprehensive information from all relevant organisations and partners on potential issues occurring over the next six to 12 months.

"We have already shortlisted four organisations who are now working on their final tender submissions. Clearly while it is acknowledged that there will be a need for a transitional period while the finally appointed host organisation 'finds its feet' this must not impact on the important work being carried out to ensure public and patient engagement in current health and social care related issues.

"As soon as the host organisation commences - and this is due to be on 1 July 2008 - they will have the benefit of the wealth of useful information we have gathered and clear indications of the topics and issues which may arise in the first few months. It will then be down to the host organisation to use this information in the most appropriate way to help focus its initial work priorities.

In early May the council will be supporting the establishment of a LINk transitional board consisting of representatives from the voluntary and community sector. The transitional board will oversee the transitional period and then work with the host organisation when appointed to get the LINk up and running. From 1 April until the LINk transitional board is established, matters of concern about local health and social care provision can be referred to the health overview and scrutiny committee, which can take up matters with the NHS or council. Any matter referred by members of the public during this period will be treated as though it was referred by the LINk itself. Anyone with a matter they wish to refer should forward it to overview&scrutiny@trafford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 912 1302.

To make sure the interest and commitment already shown by local people and organisations is not lost, the first of a series of bulletins will soon be distributed. It will provide information on progress to date, an explanation of the LINks role, how people can continue to be involved in shaping the Trafford LINk and other relevant details and information. From the end of this week, people who have not currently expressed an interest will be able to access the bulletin by logging on to www.trafford.gov.uk and following the link under 'Spotlight On'.

The next stage of this process will see a community and voluntary sector event held on Thursday, 8 May at St Matthews Hall, Chapel Lane, Stretford. Details of the event will be circulated to voluntary and community groups and organisations, networks and also individuals who have expressed an interest. The event will not only encourage their continued involvement, but those attending will be directly involved in electing members to the LINk transitional board, establishing its governance arrangements and transitional work programme.

"Everyone involved in the work so far is committed to making sure that not only is the right host organisation appointed, but that in the interim period we have the strongest, most appropriate arrangements in place to continue to provide the best possible scrutiny of local health and social care services," said Ms Alexander.