What are LINks?

They’re Local Involvement Networks – individuals and community groups, such as faith groups and residents’ associations, which work together to improve health and social care services. There are 150 around England, and aim to give people a strong voice in the delivery of health services – to identify their needs and demands, and to hold local services to them.

New research based on a collation of data gathered between 2007 and 2009 has shown that people in England will use the NHS 2,153 times in their lifetime – or once a fortnight. An Ipsos MORI poll conducted earlier this month found that, despite this regular take-up, only 22% of people have got involved in determining how their local services could better suit their needs – even though 60% have stated they would like to have a say!

This is where LINks come in. 1330 prescriptions, 31 visits to A&E and 12 ambulance journeys in a lifetime is a lot of involvement with the NHS – it makes sense for us to try and get as involved as possible in the shape of our local provision. Using local needs and priorities to lead health services was, of course, a key recommendation of Lord Darzi in High Quality Care for All – and the NHS Constitution made official that had a right to expect “your local NHS to assess the health requirements of the local community and to commission and put in place the services to meet those needs as considered necessary.”

You can learn more about LINks here. Get involved and refresh your local services.