Further information

The government looked at patient and public involvement as part of the 'Our Health, our care, our say' review of community based health and social care services in early 2006. Their initial ideas and a series of questions were published in a report called 'Stronger Local Voice' (this link will open in a new window)which was consulted on during the summer and autumn of 2006.

Proposals for the development of local involvement networks (LINks) are set out in the The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act (this link will open in a new window).

The Department of Health (this link will open in a new window) has produced guidance documents regarding LINks:

• Local Involvement Networks Explained - Easy Read
• Getting ready for LINks -Planning your Local Involvement Network
• Getting ready for LINks - Contracting a host organisation for your Local Involvement Network

The Department of Health also produces regular newsletters (this link will open in a new window).

The NHS Centre for Involvement website (this link will open in a new window) also contains information on LINks.