Issue - meetings

(1)       The Overview and Scrutiny Manager updated the Committee on the development of LINks.  The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill, which set out the proposals for the development of a LINk, was expected to receive the Royal Assent in the autumn.

(2)       The proposal was that the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health, and the Patient and Public Involvement Fora would be abolished on 31 March 2008 and LINks would be operational from 1 April 2008.

(3)       The Committee was reminded that it was often overlooked in the discussion on LINks that they would also be encompassing social care, as well as health services.

(4)       The Committee noted the issues that were emerging from those authorities that had been identified as “early adopter” sites.

(5)       Local Authorities across the country continued to struggle with the concept of LINks in the absence of any guidance. However, the Department of Health was clear that this presented an opportunity for local authorities to do what was right for them within the LINk framework.

(6)       A number of documents that had been delayed several times already were expected to be published shortly.  These included:-

a)      a model contract for procuring the host organisation to establish the LINk;

b)      what a model LINk might look like; and

c)      an interim report on the outcomes of the “early adopter” sites.

(7)       The Overview and Scrutiny Manager acknowledged that Patient and Public involvement Fora representatives were becoming disheartened by the lack of progress. However, existing Patent and Public Involvement Fora representatives had so much knowledge and experience that they would represent a key component of the LINk. He affirmed his offer to speak with Patient and Public involvement Fora, or their Locality Groups, to reassure them of their continuing contribution as the new structure emerged.

(8)       The Committee noted that a steering group led by the Cabinet member with responsibility for Public Health  (Mr G Gibbens), supported by a representative of the Chief Executive’s Directorate, was to be established to take the development of the Kent LINk forward. The NHS Overview and Scrutiny Committee  would have representation on this steering group.

(9)       RESOLVED that the report be noted.