Issue - meetings

Barrie Towse and Bill Brookes of the Local Involvement Network to present the Annual Report (enclosed) and current Work Plan (attached). 

Barrie Towse, Chair of the Local Involvement Network (LINk), presented the LINk Annual Report for 2011/12.

The report referred to the LINk’s statutory right to Enter and View health and social care facilities to ensure that they complied with the essential standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).  In 2011/12 the LINk’s Authorised Representatives had undertaken 47 visits and produced a report following each visit which was published on their website and shared with commissioners and the CQC.  

The Communications Group had continued its work including producing a regular newsletter and having a Facebook presence.  The Social Care sub group had made positive progress following some initial issues raised after the introduction of the Empower Card by the Council.  The Sub group had also commissioned some research into Carer Respite resulting in a report with five key outcomes.  The Mental Health Sub Group had liaised with employees and partners to produce a leaflet “Stay in Work and Return to Work” that had been widely distributed particularly to GP surgeries.  A Learning Difficulty and Autism Interest Group had recently been formed.

The LINk worked in partnership with various organisations and bodies and was a statutory representative on the Health and Wellbeing Board.  As the arrangements changed and Healthwatch replaced the LINk from 1 April, the LINk had contributed to the Healthwatch Steering Group to consider new arrangements and ensure a smooth transition. 

Mrs Towse also outlined the LINk Work Plan for 2012/13 containing priorities for the current year which included contributing to the consultation process for the future healthcare project in Knutsford, monitoring progress with the Empower Card and a review of maternity services at East Cheshire Hospital NHS Trust.

Neil Garbett, LINk Support Team Leader, explained that the Annual Report had been produced in-house and was printed in A5 size as a cost saving.  He and his team had undertaken a great deal of engagement work including having a presence in the community at events and in local supermarkets, work had also been undertaken with students at Macclesfield College.  He congratulated the LINk members, who were all volunteers, and referred to the Enter and View visits carried out which were greater in number than any other LINk organisation.  

The Committee was advised that in relation to the transition to Healthwatch, funding had been given to the Council to assist with the Cheshire East LINk’s role as pathfinder.  There was currently a process of engagement taking place regarding what the Healthwatch should look like, for example, whether the Board should be elected or appointed.  It was hoped that current LINk members would transfer to Healthwatch so skills and knowledge were not lost and the transition would be smooth. 

Councillor Clowes explained that Mrs Towse had been a valuable presence on the Health and Wellbeing Board.

RESOLVED:  that

(a) the Annual Report and Work Plan be noted; and

(b) the LINk be congratulated on their hard work and the successful outcomes as listed in their Annual Report.