Have a say on care services

3:20pm Saturday 27th September 2008

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People will have the chance to shape the future of health and social care at a series of events to unveil the district’s new Local Involvement Network.

The Bradford LINk aims to give everyone in the district a say in how health and social care is delivered. It will bring together people with similar concerns and ensure that service providers respond to any issues raised.

The new organisation will have the power to raise issues with all health and social care providers in the Bradford district and refer issues to Bradford Council’s Health Improve-ment Committee.

The Bradford LINk has a small support group of paid staff, which is responsible for supporting future campaigns, but anyone can join development groups which will meet regularly to discuss important issues in the district’s health and social care.

The body replaces the Patient and Public Involvement Forums which were attached to every NHS trust and were abolished in April.

“We are here to make sure that everyone is able to influence health and social care provision,” said LINk support group manager Melvyn Newton.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from those people whose voices have not been heard in the past.”

The first event takes place at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Lister Park, Bradford, on Monday, October 6, between 3pm and 5pm, when visitors can help create a three-dimensional map containing models of key features.

People who live in the Bingley and Shipley area are invited to an event on Thursday, October 16, at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

The LINk team will also be visiting Riddings Hall in Ilkley on Monday, October 13, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and they will be in Keighley on Tuesday, October 14, from 1pm to 3pm in the Temple Row Centre. Further meetings will be held in Denholme, Thornton, Queensbury, Clayton, Silsden, Steeton, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Menston and Haworth in October and November.

For more information call the Bradford LINk team on (01535) 665258 or e-mail: link@keighleyvs.org