Thousands of Service Users Will Help Set Staffordshire Health Agenda

Jan. 26, 2012 - PRLog -- AN ORGANISATION set up to monitor and improve health and social care services across Staffordshire has seen an increase in participation of almost 900 per cent.

Last year 2,487 individuals and organisations became involved with the Staffordshire Local Involvement Network (LINk), compared with 257 the year before – a rise of 877 per cent.

That is nearly double the average number of participants at LINks nationally and about three times the average for the West Midlands.

Staffordshire LINk investigates the views of patients and social care users across the county and makes recommendations aimed at improving services.

It also has powers to visit the premises of any NHS or council-funded service providers, such as hospitals and care homes, under its Enter and View programme. Only children’s social services are excluded.

As part of Enter and View, trained observers canvas service user opinions and come up with suggestions for improvements. Health and social care providers have to respond to those suggestions and outline what actions will be taken.

Jackie Owen, Staffordshire LINk manager, said: “We’re really pleased that the number of people getting involved with the LINk is increasing so significantly.

“If we want improved health and social care, it is absolutely essential that the voices of service users and patients are heard – especially in an environment when providers are having to re-think the way they do things because of tight finances.

“We want to encourage all patients, social care service users and relevant organisations to get in touch with us and share their experiences and ideas.

“The more input and participation we have, the more we can help shape provision in the future.”

Participation ranges from registering an interest in the LINk’s work or providing feedback after using a service through to volunteering and taking part in regular workshops.

The 900 per cent hike in participation is highlighted as part of a Staffordshire County Council review of the LINk.

The report also found that Staffordshire LINk had used effective consultation to come up with priorities such as investigating people’s experiences of mental health services, dementia care and stroke rehabilitation.

Ms Owen added: “This year another priority will be to engage with as many people as possible in traditionally hard-to-reach groups such as the young and black or minority ethnic communities.”

The county council review found that Staffordshire LINk’s Enter and View programme was “progressing well”.

Last year 11 visits were made, to facilities including the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Ward 10 at Stafford Hospital, the West Midlands Ambulance Service, wards eight and 20 at Burton Hospital and Littleton Ward at Cannock Hospital.

A 2012 Enter and View timetable is being finalised, and the LINk is currently looking for feedback on a variety of topics, such as the impact of the temporary 10pm to 8am closure of A&E services at Stafford hospital.

To find out more about Staffordshire LINk and how to comment on service provision, visit http://www.staffordshirelink.org.uk, call 01785 887990 or email enquiries@staffordshirelink.staffs.com

ENDS

Press release issued by David Johnson at Shepherd PR. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call 01335 368020.

Notes to Editors

Staffordshire LINk actively pursues health and social care service user feedback.

The information is used to help shape service delivery – making the LINk a vital catalyst for positive change in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire LINk is funded through, but is independent of, Staffordshire County Council.

It covers services provided across the county council area. Stoke-on-Trent is covered by a separate LINk.

Staffordshire LINk is based at Staffordshire Technology Park in Stafford and it is run by volunteers and employees who are specially-trained or who have experience in health and social care provision.

Experts from Staffordshire LINk are available to comment on health and social care issues affecting Staffordshire residents.