The government made a commitment in Liberating the NHS: Legislative framework and next steps to invite local authorities in partnership with their Local Involvement Network (LINk's) and host organisations to develop HealthWatch Pathfinders.
HealthWatch Pathfinders will be a crucial part of the work to prepare for the establishment of HealthWatch from Oct 2012. Liverpool City Council is already supportive of this development and are themselves part of the Early Implementer Network for Health and Wellbeing Boards.
A joint proposal between Liverpool City Council, Liverpool PCT, Liverpool LINk and their host organisation Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services was submitted to the Department of Health on the 12th of May 2011
On Wednesday 3rd August It was announced that seventy-five local Involvement Networks had received the Healthwatch Pathfinder status, and Liverpool LINk was one of them.
This will mean that Liverpool LINk is able to build on its foundation and will pioneer plans ahead of the full establishment of local HealthWatch across the country, expected in October 2012. HealthWatch Pathfinders through learning together will share their experiences so as to influence the establishment of HealthWatch throughout England.
Liverpool LINk will continue to champion the views and experiences of local people and work towards promoting the integration of local services to improve the choice for patients through advice and access to information.
Local HealthWatch will give patients and carers a real say over how their local health service is run. They will drive local involvement in the community and ensure patients understand the choices available to them.
Also in October 2012, HealthWatch England, a national body will be established within the Care Quality Commission. This will work with Local HealthWatch to gather the collective views of the people who use NHS and adult social care services to influence national policy, advice and guidance.
A successful HealthWatch Pathfinder application will allow Liverpool LINk to build on current experiences through shared learning with our partners in the City and other HealthWatch Pathfinders throughout the Country.