Post by Cllr Simon Tagg on Nov 30, 2009 16:27:39 GMT
Staffordshire County Council today announced the outcome of a review into the way residents influence the planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care services throughout the county.
The Staffordshire Local Involvement Network (LINKs) was created to give people the opportunity to influence health and social care services in their area. For the last year, Staffordshire University, has facilitated this service on behalf of the county council. The county council will now oversee delivery in the short-term whilst a permanent arrangement is put in place.
Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, Matthew Ellis, took this decision following careful consideration of an independent review of LINKs undertaken by the Department of Health; as well as taking into account the views of key groups such as current services users and their families. Matthew said:
“The people of Staffordshire deserve good, if not excellent, health and social care services. Since taking over this portfolio and lead responsibility for social care services, I have been acutely aware that a review of our approach was needed.”
“In my short time in office, I have spent a lot of time listening to the views of service users, their families and colleagues in social care and health services. This has informed my view of how we should move forward”.
“LINks has an important role to play in asking the difficult, challenging question and challenging how services are currently delivered. I have been impressed by the commitment and dedication of many of the volunteers and staff currently involved”.
“Following discussions with the University this week, we have both agreed that responsibility for the delivery of LINk should transfer to the county council with immediate effect. The university will work closely with us to make sure there is a smooth transition”.
“There are many challenges involved in delivering good patient and resident involvement. People have busy lives, It does not however mean that it cannot be done”.
“Health and social care services need, and indeed, welcome external scrutiny. People have the right to ask the difficult questions and scrutinise every aspect of the services. Under our guidance, we will ensure everyone has the change to have their say, wherever they live in the county”.
The Staffordshire Local Involvement Network (LINKs) was created to give people the opportunity to influence health and social care services in their area. For the last year, Staffordshire University, has facilitated this service on behalf of the county council. The county council will now oversee delivery in the short-term whilst a permanent arrangement is put in place.
Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, Matthew Ellis, took this decision following careful consideration of an independent review of LINKs undertaken by the Department of Health; as well as taking into account the views of key groups such as current services users and their families. Matthew said:
“The people of Staffordshire deserve good, if not excellent, health and social care services. Since taking over this portfolio and lead responsibility for social care services, I have been acutely aware that a review of our approach was needed.”
“In my short time in office, I have spent a lot of time listening to the views of service users, their families and colleagues in social care and health services. This has informed my view of how we should move forward”.
“LINks has an important role to play in asking the difficult, challenging question and challenging how services are currently delivered. I have been impressed by the commitment and dedication of many of the volunteers and staff currently involved”.
“Following discussions with the University this week, we have both agreed that responsibility for the delivery of LINk should transfer to the county council with immediate effect. The university will work closely with us to make sure there is a smooth transition”.
“There are many challenges involved in delivering good patient and resident involvement. People have busy lives, It does not however mean that it cannot be done”.
“Health and social care services need, and indeed, welcome external scrutiny. People have the right to ask the difficult questions and scrutinise every aspect of the services. Under our guidance, we will ensure everyone has the change to have their say, wherever they live in the county”.