East Sussex LINk

East Sussex LINk is a network of local people, organisations and groups that want to make Health & Social Care services better. We publish a bi-monthly newsletter and the latest edition is below

Newsletter November 2011               

East Sussex LINk provides everyone in the community - from individuals to voluntary groups with the chance to say what you think about local health and social care services and your experiences.

Under the Government's New Legislation LINks will become HealthWatch in October 2012.

Local HealthWatch (LHW) is to become the local consumer voice for people who use and need health and social care services, to be empowered to improve and influence the commissioning decisions made about those services. It is to build on the good work of LINks and strengthen the ways in which commissioners and providers take the views and experiences of patients and the public into account when improving the quality and safety of health and social care services.

This will be achieved by Local HealthWatch carrying forward existing Links functions as well as delivering on new responsibilities to provide advice and information as well as signposting to enable people to navigate their way round the health and social care system.

To read more information about HealthWatch click here

We are in the process of reviewing this website and updating with information as it becomes available about Local HealthWatch. Should you wish to contact East Sussex LINk please email info@thecountylink.net or call 01323 514510

LINk Transition Year 2011/2012

The LINk, Host Team and the East Sussex County Council have agreed a Transition Year Work Programme for April 2011 - March 2012.

East Sussex Disability Association's (ESDA) contract to support the LINk has been extended to cover the transition year work programme. The aim of the work programme is create a LINk legacy to carry forward into Local HealthWatch.

To stay involved and find out how please contact:

Elizabeth Mackie manager@thecountylink.net or telephone 01323 514510

View Work Programme:

Read Summary of the round table discussions which developed the Work Programme

New Health Service Jargon Buster available

(useful link to commonly used health service terminology)