Health and Social Care Bill 2011
Published 19th January 2011LINks across the country have been eagerly awaiting the HealthWatch details documented in the 2011 Bill. A detailed summery will follow, for now here are the key points regarding LINks transfer to HealthWatch:
Each LINk will evolve into a Local HealthWatch, continuing the work of the LINk with additional powers and responsibilities.Local HealthWatch will ensure that the views of patients, carers and the public are represented to commissioners and provide local intelligence for HealthWatch England. It will work alongside the role of public members and governors of foundation trusts in influencing providers. Local authorities will be able to commission HealthWatch to provide advocacy, advice and information to support people if they have a complaint and to help people make choices about services. Funding for Local HealthWatch has yet to be published, but substantial cuts are expected.Representatives from the Local HealthWatch will sit on a number of regulatory boards, including the Health and Wellbeing Board.Discussions are continuing regarding the independence of each Local HealthWatch from its Local Authority, Care Quality Commission and other regulatory bodies. Only through absolute independence will Local HealthWatches be seen as representing the local community voice. Output over the transition period, between LINk and Local HealthWatch, will be reduced while funding and organisational structure is established.
Further Reading:
Parliament: Health and Social Care Bill 2011
www.services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/healthandsocialcare.htmlDepartment of Health Impact Assessment
www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_123582.pdf