Decision - Establishment of a Local Healthwatch

To seek Cabinet Approval to develop a new Heathwatch contract and to manage the transition from LINks to Healthwatch..

(1)               That the commencement of a procurement process to appoint a suitably qualified organisation to enable the local HealthWatch to fulfil its proposed statutory duties as set out in the Health and Social Care Bill be agreed;

(2)               That the Strategic Director People be granted delegated authority to enter into contract on suitable terms on behalf of the council upon completion of the procurement process and once the relevant legislation is in force; and

(3)               That the extension of contract with the current hosts of the LINk to April 2013. be agreed.