LINks

LINks are being established in every local area to replace Patient Forums. They have many of the same powers but aim to give the wider community more of a say in how their local services are run.  For the first time they will also cover social care, and be able to inspect care homes and social services.

What is a LINk?

LINks give local people the chance to have their say in how local care services are planned and run. They represent local communities.

There is a LINk in every Local Authority area that has social services responsibility. They are listening to local people about their needs and about their experiences of services.

LINks look at all the health and social care services, funded by taxpayers in every area . It does not matter whether they are provided by the NHS, a local authority, a private company, a social enterprise or a charity. LINks will feedback this information to the people responsible for commissioning, providing, managing and checking up on health and social care services so that things can change for the better.

What powers do LINks have?

• Make reports and recommendations and get a reply within a set amount of time
• Ask for information and get a reply within a set amount of time
• Go into some types of services to see what they do
• Tell elected politicians on an Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) what they have found and get a response.

How are LINks organised?

There is a LINk in every area but because it is supposed to reflect local communities each will look different.  Every link is supported by a 'host' organisation - e.g. a charity or community organisation, which will be responsible for sending out consultations and inviting people to meetings. Read more about host organisations - more...

More information

The Department of Health has produced an easy-to-read guide to LINks - more...

The NHS Centre for Involvement produces information on LINks including a summary of the The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act which sets out the powers and role of LINks more...

Care Services Improvement Partnership  - more...