Are you LINked up?

What is a LINk?

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) have been set up all over the country for everyone to have their say on the planning and delivery of health and social care in the local area. This includes services like: Doctor’s surgeries, Meals on Wheels and hospital departments.Click here to read more about LINks in a downloadable PDF file of a leaflet from the Department of Health "Local Involvement Networks Explained' (658Kb)

The Swindon LINk will be up and running from 1 April 2008.  This means you now have a new way to tell us what you think!

What will LINks do for me?

LINks will:

• Give you the chance to say what you think about your local services
• Give you the chance to check how these services are planned and run
• Give you feedback on what people have said about services so things can change for the better

What good can I do?

The best advice on planning and delivering services comes from people who have experienced the service or have friends or family who have.

Health & Social Care services affect us all – have your say! The more people involved, the more influence you will have.

Can I be part of LINk?

YES!  Anyone and everyone can be.  There are so many ways you can be involved from becoming a full member to merely answering a 10 minute questionaire. You can give as much or as little time as you want.

But how much of my time will it take?

This is entirely up to you!  For example:

• answering a 10 minute questionnaire once every 3 months
• sending us an email with your point of view.
• involvement in managing the LINk, e.g. attending Committee Meetings
• short term involvement in a specific local issue

You do not have to become a member to be involved.

How can I join the LINk?

There loads of ways to find out more:

• phone us on 01793 466024
• e-mail us at swindonlink@swindon.gov.uk
• write to us at the address below
• click on this link to an on line enquiry form to send us your details and we will contact you

Who else is involved locally?

There are other local organisations involved in LINks. To learn more of what they do and their involvement in LINks, please use the information below.

• Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust - e-mail  sally.wood1@awp.nhs.uk
• Great Western Ambulance - e-mail  Chris.Marsden@gwas.nhs.uk
• Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust - visit their website Patient Advice and Liaison Service Teams (http://www.gwhswindon.org.uk/sw2dpals01.php)
• Swindon Primary Care Trust - visit their website Patient Advice and Liaison Service (http://www.swindonpct.nhs.uk/get involved/PALS/pals.htm)

You can contact us at:

LINks
Premier House
Station Road
Swindon, SN1 1TZ

Phone: 01793 466024
E-mail: swindonlink@swindon.gov.uk