What is the Isle of Wight LINk?
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The Isle of Wight Local Involvement Network (LINk) is a network of local people and groups on the Isle of Wight who have an interest in health services and social care, and want to share their views, opinions and suggestions with the people that run the services. A LINk's role is to:
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LISTEN to what local people want
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INVESTIGATE issues of concern to the community
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MONITOR local services
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USE ITS POWERS to hold services to account and get results
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Sometimes the people who use services don't feel they have a strong enough voice to change aspects of their health or social care services. LINks help thecommunity have a stronger local voice.
Why should I join the Isle of Wight LINk?
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If you want to find out about health and social care locally and have your say in decisions about these local services, then the Isle of Wight LINk (Local Involvement Network) is for you.
Individuals and organisations can all be participants of the Isle of Wight LINk. The more it becomes a 'network of networks', the more strength it will have in the local community and the stronger its voice will become on your behalf.
To join the Isle of Wight LINk, simply register online, or email us and we'll sign you up. You will then receive a Welcome Pack, our monthly Newsletter and e-Bulletin to keep you informed about events, news and what the LINk is working on. You can participate as much or as little as you like.
You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @IsleofWightLINk
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What powers does the Isle of Wight LINk have?
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A LINk has powers in law to:
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Ask for information and get an answer in a specified amount of time
- Be able to carry out spot-checks to see if services are working well
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Make reports and recommendations and receive a response
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Refer issues to the local 'Overview and Scrutiny Committee'
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Who is the Isle of Wight LINk accountable to?
First and foremost - the people of the Isle of Wight! It's the job of the LINk to represent the patient voice and the views of the people living on the Isle of Wight.
The LINk is INDEPENDENT of:
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Central Government
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Local Government
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The NHS
The LINk's funding is channeled through an independent charity called Help & Care. This is known as the 'host organisation'.
As LINks are publicly funded they also need to report annually to the Secretary of State. Local people and groups need to have confidence that the LINk understands local health and social care needs and have developed a credible work programme based on local priorities. The LINk aims to be open and honest and work in ways that are free from bias.
The Isle of Wight residents are represented by Stewardship Group participants who lead on projects. The Stewardship Group is accountable to the wider LINk and the LINk is accountable to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at Isle of Wight Council. Find more about the Stewardship Group.