LINk Reports
On this page you will find a set of reports that have been compiled by the LINk in the course of its work.
Enter and View Report
The Local Involvement Networks (Duty of Services-Providers to Allow entry) Regulations 2008 impose a duty on providers of health and social care services with certain exemptions, to allow authorised representatives of LINks to enter premises that they own or control to observe the services that are being provided.
Under the legislation, certain individuals can be authorised to enter, view and observe health and social care activities being carried out - these individuals are referred to as 'authorised representatives'. The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 is clear that authorised representatives must only enter and view premises for the purpose of carrying out the activities of the LINk they represent.
Before an individual can be authorised, the LINk must have agreed procedures for making decisions about who can be an authorised representative. Regulation 3 of the Local Involvement Networks Regulations 2008 sets out the arrangements for authorised representatives. In brief, representatives can be authorised only if:
- They have undergone a Criminal Records Bureau check, in line with section 113A of the Police Act 1997, and have a certificate to verify this; and
- A 'nominated person' of the LINk as considered the certificate and is satisfied that the person has undergone the relevant training and is suitable to carry out visits
Enter and View Visit - November 2010 (pdf 1.36mb)
Focus Group Reports
Focus groups are one off meetings to look at a range of issues surrounding a particular subject. Following the meeting, a report is written and presented to the LINk Stewardship Board who then decide whether to take up the main issue arising from the report or simply send it to the commissioners and providers for a written response.
As part of the 2011/12 workplan a focus group was formed to look at access to services in Gloucestershire for patients with fibromyalgia. The report was published in June 2011
Task Group Reports
Task groups are time limited groups that meet to look at an emerging issue of concern by looking at existing policies relating to the issue, comparing real life experience with those policies, identifying gaps and finally producing a report that is sent to commissioners and providers. These reports must have a response back within 20 working days.
Learning Disability Events
The LINk has also held two special events for our members with a Learning Disability. The reports can be found below: