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Shaping HealthWatch
All Local Authorities in England who provide Adult Social Care services have been given the project of a new service called HealthWatch from April 2013.
HealthWatch will replace Local Involvement Network (LINk) and will extend its responsibilities.
The vision for HealthWatch, as set out in the HealthWatch Transition Plan published on 29 March 2011 by the Department of Health is as follows:-
'HealthWatch will be the independent consumer champion for the public - locally and nationally - to promote better outcomes in health for all and in social care for adults.
HealthWatch will be representative of diverse communities. It will provide intelligence - including evidence from people's views and experiences - to influence the policy, planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care. Locally, it will also provide information and advice to help people access and make choices about services as well as access independent complaints advocacy to support people if they need help to complain about NHS services.
HealthWatch will have credibility and public trust through being responsive and acting on concerns when things go wrong, and operating effectively and efficiently.'
Officers from Bournemouth Borough Council, Dorset County Council and the Borough of Poole are working together to ensure there will be a smooth transition from LINks to the local HealthWatch in April 2013. They have formed a pan-Dorset project group to lead on the commissioning of the Local HealthWatch, developing the service specification and managing the eventual tendering process.
If you would like to get involved in shaping your local HealthWatch then please contact Nicky Beaton, Commissioning Manager
- Shaping HealthWatch Consultation
HealthWatch will be the independent consumer champion for the public - locally and nationally - to promote better outcomes in health for all and in social care for adults.
- Local Involvement Network (LINk)
Local Involvement Networks (LINks) were established from April 2008 to strengthen and extend the influence that local people have on health and social care services. The LINk enables people to have a strong voice in how these services are planned, run and reviewed. There is one LINk for every local authority area in England.
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Commissioning Manager
Name: Nicky Beaton
Email: n.a.beaton@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 228513
Fax: 01305 224325
Full details for Nicky Beaton
