Have Say on Care Services

By Dale Williams

DUDLEY Council will be encouraging residents to have their say on how health and social care services are delivered.

In a report going before cabinet on Wednesday, members will be asked to approve the establishment of a new local involvement network in Dudley called a Link.

The Government has set a target for all local authorities to set up Links. These will represent new ways for people who use health and social care services to have a say in how they are planned and run.

The aim is to improve public consultation and engagement in health and social care arrangements. The Links will replace the old patient forums and will have significantly more power and impact.

Dudley’s Link will be established and supported by The Shaw Trust – a national charity.

Lesley Knapton, service development manager at The Shaw Trust, said: “We will be working hard to encourage people to get involved in shaping the health and social care services that people receive – either as patients, carers or users of services generally.”

The report which proposes the establishment of the Link goes to cabinet for approval on September 10.

To find out more contact Shobha Asar-Paul at Dudley Council on 01384 816995, or e-mail Shobha.asar-paul@dudley.gov.uk

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