Issue - items at meetings - LINk Update

Update on the work of the Brighton & Hove Local Involvement Network (verbal)

53.1    This item was introduced by Robert Brown, Chair of the LINk Steering Group, and Claire Stevens, LINk Team Manager.

53.2    Mr Brown told members that the LINk had taken longer than expected to become operational, due to poor and conflicting central Government guidance, a high turnover of host staff, problems associated with moving premises, and a good deal of discord amongst members of the original LINk Steering Group. However, things had now stabilised and the LINk had begun doing some positive work.

53.3    The LINk is currently focusing on mental health and on hospital discharges. Mr Brown told the committee that there had already been excellent input from Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals Trust in regard to the latter issue.

53.4    The LINk is also committed to working with NHS Brighton & Hove, investigating areas in which the PCT has underperformed.

53.5    Mr Brown told the committee that, whilst relations with the HOSC were good, LINk members were disappointed that they had not been offered a co-optee’s seat on the Adult Social care and Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee (ASCHOSC).  HOSC members agreed that the ASCHOSC Chairman should be approached with regard to inviting a LINK member to sit on ASCHOSC.

53.6    RESOLVED – That the Chairman should write to the Chair of ASCHOSC requesting that she consider inviting a LINk member to sit on ASCHOSC as a non-voting co-optee.