From April 2013 local Healthwatch replaced the Local Involvement Networks (LINks) as the "consumer voice" in health and social care. It is important that local Healthwatch learns from the experience of the LINks to ensure they become the best they can be, and to prevent "reinventing the wheel". The results of a project to capture this learning are now available
Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
25 July 2012
The main purpose of the Lived Experience Affiliate role is to consult, engage with and work with users (patients), providers and agencies in order to provide a lived experience perspective to the Long term Conditions (LTC) Programme. The aim is to ensure that the lived experience of people with a long term condition influences how the LTC programme content is developed and delivered. This will involve contributions to the Steering and Reference Group, the Planning Group and the Advisory Groups that form the governance for the programme. Whilst it is clear that one person cannot represent the views of all people with a LTC, the aim is to identify someone with links to user / carer groups who can provide insights based on their own lived experience and the views of people from their networks.
Should you require additional information please contact the lead for this programme, Julie Cullen (julie.cullen@srft.nhs.uk) or Bernie O’Hare. (Bernie.o’hare@srft.nhs.uk).
An outline of the role and its expectations are available - Job Role/Expectations
If you wish to formally register an interest in this role, please forward a copy of your CV and any supporting documents to Lynda Tench ( Lynda.tench@srft.nhs.uk ) by 14th August 2012.
Further reading:
Regional Voices, of which VSNW is a partner, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Department of Health (Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund) to support voluntary and community sector influence on health and wellbeing boards
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has published the findings of a research study on European Social Fund delivery with the aim of informing thinking around the next round of programmes
Healthwatch England was formed in April 2013 and is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. They have now published a list of local Healthwatch, including those for the North West
The Local Government Chronicle held a webinar to explore the essential elements to ensure local healthwatch organisations are effective in scrutinising local health services and provide a voice for communities. Regional Voices, of which VSNW are a part, are mentioned.
An analysis has been published by NAVCA of the 74 areas that received Transforming Local Infrastructure and provides a national perspective, and allows the sharing of information and ideas
