Introduction to the Birmingham LINk (Local Involvement Network) by Janet Deakin. Janet presented these slides at a patient and public engagement event at Birmingham City Football Club, hosted by BVSC and Birmingham LINk, 4th October 2012.

1. Introduction to LINk
Janis Deakin
Member of Birmingham LINk and
Member of the Strategy Group

2. The presentation will cover:
• What LINk is set up to do
• Why we’re here today
• How LINk currently works in Birmingham, and what the
transition looks like
• Where to go to find out more about us

3. What LINk was set up to do
To promote and support the involvement of people in the
commissioning, provision and scrutiny of local health and
social care services.
To get the views of people about their needs for, and experiences
of, health and social care services, and make those views
known to those responsible.
To enable people to monitor and review the commissioning and
provision of health and care services.
To make reports and recommendations about how health and
care services could, or should, be improved.

4. Why we’re here today
Important period of transition for engagement.
Ownership of health service – it is our NHS.
Working together – partnership approach.
Vehicles for participation and learning.
Keeping up to date with changes.
Need to work out where the patient voice fits.

5. How LINk currently works in Birmingham, and
what the transition looks like.
Strategy Group oversees the LINk strategically and supports the
LINk’s Work Plan.
Action Groups – geographic and thematic leading on individual
Work Plans.
BEN Action Group
Needs of this area, e.g.
TB Awareness
Hospital discharge planning
Works with partners such as Birmingham and Solihull NHS
Cluster.

6. Birmingham HealthWatch
The consultation closed mid September
Views and feedback currently being analysed
Nearly 1,000 responses
The consultation will feed into how Birmingham Healthwatch will
be formed and structured

7. How might you become involved with LINk now?
Come and talk to LINk members and staff
at the end of the session!