FAQ's

Why should I join Sunderland LINk?

Sunderland LINk (the Local Involvement Network) is the new way for people who use local health and social care services to talk directly to the NHS and the council about what they want and to get their questions answered about current issues. If you want to find out about health and social care locally and have your say in decisions about these local services, then Sunderland LINk is for you. Individuals and organisations can all be members of Sunderland LINk. The more it becomes a “network of networks”, the more strength it will have and the stronger its voice will become on your behalf.

Is Sunderland LINk a voluntary body?

No, all LINks are created by a law passed by parliament – the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 – which sets out their legal duties and powers. In addition, the government has issued regulations and directions describing the detail of LINk activities which have the force of law and must be complied with. This gives a LINk considerable authority to work directly with the NHS and local authority on behalf of the local community.

Are LINks like the Patient and Public Involvement Forums just renamed?

No, LINks are distinctly different because for the first time their remit covers both health and social care services in an entire borough and their membership will comprise both individuals and organisations. The legislation creating LINks also abolished Patients Forums across England on 31st March 2008.

Who is in control of Sunderland LINk?

To get the organisation up and running so that it becomes self-governing with its own elected executive, a “LINk host” organisation has been selected and charged by the local authority with taking the initial decisions about structure and processes and being financially accountable for LINk resources. This will be subject to confirmation by the interim LINk executive and it is also subject to scrutiny by the local authority to whom the LINk host reports regularly. Once LINk has an elected executive, it will take decisions about its work programme and budget, with the continuing advice and support of the LINk host. Ultimately, it is the members of Sunderland LINk who are in control because they vote for the LINk Executive and approve its annual report.

How was the LINk host in Sunderland selected and who appointed them?

Following a competitive tender, Age UK Sunderland (formerly Age Concern) was appointed by Sunderland Borough Council to deliver the “LINk host role” for the Sunderland LINk.

Where does Sunderland LINk get its money from?

The funding for the Sunderland LINk comes from central government through the Department of Health over a three year period from 1st April 2008.

What local services will LINks cover?

LINk’s remit covers all publicly funded health and social care services in Sunderland, except children’s social services which are covered by separate arrangements through OFSTED. It does not matter who provides the service; as long as the users of the service are publicly funded, it falls within the remit of LINk.

What powers do LINks have?

Legislation provides LINk with powers to help carry out their role and places duties on the NHS and the local authority to provide information and access to premises:

LINk authorised representatives can enter specific premises to review and report on the quality of the services provided.
LINk can ask commissioners and providers for information about services and expect a response.
LINk can make recommendations to the local NHS and local authority and expect a response.
LINk can refer matters to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees for Health or Social Services for action.

Do I have to live in the Borough of Sunderland to participate in Sunderland LINk?

Anyone can visit and browse the information on the Sunderland LINk website and express their views on consultations and others issues which will be posted there. LINk meetings will be open to all.

Is LINk membership only for people living in Sunderland?

No. To participate fully in LINk you will need to join LINk and to do that you need to have an address within the City of Sunderland. There is one exception if you don’t live in the borough (see next question). LINk membership gives you the right to stand for election to the LINk Executive and to vote for the Executive and approve its plans and annual reports. Duly authorised (trained and CRB checked) LINk members will be able to undertake premises visits and inspections (eg GP practices, hospitals, care facilities) and make reports about the quality of health and social care services. LINk members will form committees and other groups with special interests.

I don’t live in Sunderland, can I still be a member of Sunderland LINk?

As an individual, if you don’t live in Sunderland but you are registered with a Sunderland GP practice and or use services provided in Sunderland then you can still be a member of Sunderland LINk.

Can I belong to more than one LINk?

Yes, each LINk is free to establish its own membership criteria.

Will LINks in adjoining boroughs cooperate with each other?

Collaboration across the area will be essential. Sunderland LINk will seek cooperative arrangements with surrounding LINks. This will reflect the pattern of service use by Sunderland residents.

If I have a concern or complaint about my doctor/dentist or an issue with my council flat, how can LINKs help?

LINk does not handle complaints because there are other bodies already doing that. LINk can point people in the right direction to obtain help with concerns and complaints. For more information contact the LINk office.

What will LINk do with any suggestions I make on health and social care issues in Sunderland?

It is the role of LINk to seek out the views of the public, service users, patients and carers about particular issues in health and social care and then to represent those views to the commissioners and providers of those services usually the NHS and the local council. LINk will have clear and open processes to show how views are gathered on particular issues, what views were expressed, how they were put forward, and what was said and done about them as a result.

Sunderland LINk

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