Issue - meetings

This report invites Members to consider their response to proposals, set out in the Department of Health document “A Stronger Local Voice”, to replace the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health and Patient and Public Involvement Forums with Local Involvement Networks (LINks). 

Members considered a report which invited them to agree a response to the Department of Health (DoH) proposals to replace the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement Forums (PPIFs) with Local Involvement Networks (LINks).  The deadline for responses was 7 September 2006. 

The proposals were set out in the DoH document “A Stronger Local Voice”, issued in July 2006, which had been made available via a link to the report on the Council’s website.  An extract from this document, outlining those matters on which the DoH were specifically seeking comments from local authorities, was attached as Annex A to the report, together with questions from the DoH.  The extract explained the purpose and role of the LINks and how they would be established and funded.  It also provided information on the role of overview and scrutiny committees (OSCs) in the new process.  It was noted that LINks would have the power to refer matters to OSCs and that OSCs would be encouraged in future to focus their attention on the work of commissioners, to ensure that services met the health needs of the local population.

In discussing and agreeing their response, Members received input from the Chair of the York Hospitals Patients' Forum, the Head of Patient Experience at York Hospitals Trust and the Patients’ Forums Coordinator, who is employed by the Carers' Federation.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the following comments be agreed for incorporation in the response to the proposals in “A Stronger Local Voice”:

·        The proposed loss of the statutory power of entry held by the PPIFs is regretted, and it is asked that this be retained by the LINks.

·        The strengthening of the links between patients’ bodies and OSCs is appreciated, but restrictions on how the OSCs choose to handle their scrutiny reviews would not be acceptable.

·        Adequate funding and support must be provided for the establishment and development of LINks.

·        There are concerns about the nature and definition of the “host organisations” intended to develop and run the LINks and questions as to what the composition, size and control of these bodies will be.

·        Further information about the “model contract” for hosting arrangements will be needed before this can be commented on.

                        (ii)        That the Chair prepare a response to the DoH based upon the above comments and circulate it to Committee Members before despatch.

REASON:      To ensure that a proper response to the proposals is submitted before the 7 September deadline.