Leeds LINk - transition to HealthWatch.

It is currently proposed that in 2013 LINks will be replaced by local HealthWatch organisations.  In Leeds, Adult Social Services and the Leeds LINk are working togeher alongside other partner organisations, to define what HealthWatch Leeds will look like.  This will involve asking the residents of Leeds, patients and service user groups and interested organisations what they think HealthWatch should look like and how they want to be involved once HealthWatch is established.

Updates will be given under the News section of this website throughout the transition period.

HEALTHWATCH….What will be the key features?

Influencing – local HealthWatch will present the views and experiences of local service users to local budget managers and decision makers (as well as to HealthWatch England at national level) and be part of prioritising conversation on the local health and wellbeing board, and also hold local service providers to account.

Signposting – providing information to service users to access health and social care services and promoting choice.  Signposting is currently provided by Primary care Trusts (PCT’s), as part of their Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) responsibilities.

Advising – focussed on providing complaints advocacy.  At present, the independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) provides support to people in England wishing to complain about the treatment or care they received under the National Health Service (NHS).  The support offered ranges from helping the client with initial preparation, through to attendance at resolution meetings and helping people with correspondence.