Leicestershire LINk Newsletter (Issue 8)

Newsletter September 2010 Issue 8

In July, the Government published its future vision for the NHS. Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS details the Government‟s plans for a radical revamp, putting GPs in charge of much of the NHS budget and bringing to an end all 10 Strategic Health Authorities and all 152 Primary Care Trusts. The Government wants to put patients, carers and communities at the heart of planning, commissioning, delivery, regulation and scrutiny of NHS services, whilst retaining the key values of the NHS: a comprehensive health service available to all and free at the point of use. So what does this mean for LINks?So what does this mean for LINks?So what does this mean for LINks? Local Involvement Networks like Leicestershire are to become Local HealthWatch with greater powers. Their remit may be extended to include new functions around complaints, advocacy and information, with particular reference to helping those who don‟t have the means to make choices. As to what format this may take remains largely vague.

Local HealthWatch will keep their current LINk responsibilities to promote patient and public involvement in health and social care and continue to have the right to Enter and View services. A national „HealthWatch England‟ will be set up to provide “national leadership and support” to Local HealthWatch. It will also respond to concerns raised by the Local HealthWatch. How will councils work with local How will councils work with local How will councils work with local HealthWatch?HealthWatch?HealthWatch? Under the proposals, councils will fund the work of Local HealthWatch to make sure that people‟s views about what kinds of health care they want are listened to and acted on.

Timescales:Timescales:Timescales: The legislation to establish HealthWatch will be laid before Parliament later this year. HealthWatch England will be set up „in shadow‟ form in autumn 2011 to support LINks to become Local HealthWatch by April 2012. Timescales however are subject to change.

From LINKs... to Local HealthWatchFrom LINKs... to Local HealthWatchFrom LINKs... to Local HealthWatch

Have your say on the White PaperHave your say on the White PaperHave your say on the White Paper The Government is consulting on the proposals in the White Paper and Leicestershire LINk thinks it is crucial you have your say. The event will give you the opportunity to discuss the proposals, which will then be collated into a LINk response to be sent to the Government. Wednesday 29th September 2010 Best Western Leicester Stage Hotel, Wigston Fields 12.30pm – 4.00pm including lunch. We are delighted that Malcolm Alexander, Chair of the National Association of LINks Members (NALM) and lecturer in „Patient and Public Involvement in Health/Social Care‟ and „Power and Empowerment‟ will be taking us through the White Paper and its implications for you. Turn to page 5 to find out more.

Website: www.leicestershirelink.org.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 0116 229 3103

Paediatric Cardiac Care servicesPaediatric Cardiac Care servicesPaediatric Cardiac Care services

Leicestershire LINk has joined with colleagues in Leicester City LINk to discuss the National Safe and Sustainable Review of Children‟s Heart Surgery Service‟s proposal to reduce the UK‟s 11 children‟s heart centres to seven. Each of the 11 children‟s heart centres listed in the review have their own merits and the group are looking at the different facilities available in each, in particular how Glenfield Hospital compares to others. Leicestershire LINk has been undertaking significant research and data relating to the service provided at Glenfield Hospital. Glenfield Hospital provides this service for the whole of the East Midlands, taking overflow when Birmingham Hospital is unable to provide the service needed. Glenfield Hospital has a world renowned service and also has a specialist heart lung machine, one of only three in the country. A public consultation is to commence in October. The LINk‟s aim is to ensure the voice and views of the public both locally and for all the East Midlands counties who use the Glenfield facility are considered. The LINk task group have communicated with all other East Midlands LINks,

Leicester and Leicestershire Councillors, MPs and Local Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSC's). Members of the group have met with local MPs and will be meeting with the East Midlands Specialist Commissioning Group and University Hospitals of Leicester to discuss Glenfield Hospital‟s position. A report will be compiled which contains all the information obtained at these meetings and details of the research that has been undertaken. In the coming weeks, as part of the consultation period, LINKs will be holding significant and crucial public meetings to inform and obtain the views of the people of the East Midlands. We welcome your interest and engagement in these events. From these meetings a report will be submitted to the OSC's and the Trusts in order that a final decision by the National Review Team clearly reflects the views of the local population. You can register your interest in being involved in these events by contacting Kamini. Anyone interested in joining the Task Group would be most welcome.

Leicestershire LINk Newsletter 2

Transforming Transforming Transforming Community ServicesCommunity ServicesCommunity Services

Many of you will have read that Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are no longer allowed to provide services for patients: they can only pay others to provide them. This means that the Leicestershire County & Rutland (LCR) Community Health Services organization, who has improved the patient journey over the last few years, e.g. reducing waiting times for treatment, has to be disbanded by April 2011. Some of the better-known services affected include those in the 10 community hospitals such as Day Cases e.g. Cataract operations, Outpatient appointments, and Radiology services (walk-in x-ray department). The Loughborough Walk-in Centre and the Urgent Care centres are also

included. Others which have to be transferred to another provider include GP out-of-hours services, therapies e.g. physiotherapy, podiatry (foot care), community-based nursing services and community dental services. As Leicester City Primary Care Trust is affected in the same way, the two PCTs are working together to find the best solution for all their patients. A member of our LINk is attending many of the PCT Working Groups and we have set up our own Working Group to look specifically at these changes and the effects they will have on patients. The next meeting will take place at 10.30am on Friday 17th September at the Host office. Every member is welcome to join, please contact Gill for more information.


The LINk Students in Higher Education Task Group has published a report about students with mental health issues or who present with mental health issues while studying at our three universities. Over 60,000 students attend Leicester, De Montfort and Loughborough Universities and many more attend universities outside of these three from our city and county. Our three universities have been the driving force behind this group and are keen to make a real difference when supporting their students. The report details the findings and recommendations of the LINk Task Group which it believes would positively improve the lives of students affected by mental health issues. The recommendations have been made in the light of the current economic situation and the group believe could be implemented with little cost some time in the near future. The three main recommendations are to: form a Students Mental Health Forum, which will have a wider brief to include students and

GPs, as well as mental health service providers. hold knowledge sharing workshops to enable NHS practitioners to regularly meet with their

counterparts at the Universities. create a directory that students can use to find out what services are available and how

they can access them.

The LINk would like to thank the involvement of everyone who has had input into this report and looks forward to working closely with the Students Mental Health Forum in September.

Impact of Carers Assessment FormImpact of Carers Assessment FormImpact of Carers Assessment Form

The LINk Mental Health Task Group have submitted a report about the suitability of the County Council‟s Carers Form for a person who has or cares for a person with mental health issues. The review of the Carer Form was carried out impartially and was assessed in a number of scenarios to see if the Form was suitable. The Group found the Form to be weak in a number of important areas which have been highlighted in the report. The report goes on to strongly recommend that the Council‟s Form is amended to reflect the needs of carers. The Group would welcome the opportunity to take part in any future review of the Impact of Carers Form.

Student Mental Health Services set to improveStudent Mental Health Services set to improveStudent Mental Health Services set to improve

Both reports are

available on the

Leicestershire

LINk website.

Please contact the

LINk office if you

would like a paper

copy.


“““The White Paper represents one of the biggest shake ups of The White Paper represents one of the biggest shake ups of The White Paper represents one of the biggest shake ups of the health system since the NHS was established" Professor Chris the health system since the NHS was established" Professor Chris the health system since the NHS was established" Professor Chris Ham, the Chief Executive of The King's FundHam, the Chief Executive of The King's FundHam, the Chief Executive of The King's Fund. . .

In July, the Department of Health published Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS White Paper. The White Paper details a range of proposals to reform the NHS, as well as a raft of policies designed to make £20 billion of efficiency savings over the next four years. The White Paper is now out for consultation. Saima Khan, Leicestershire LINk Policy Officer, answers some of your questions. 1.1.1. What will be different for patient care with the proposed new changesWhat will be different for patient care with the proposed new changesWhat will be different for patient care with the proposed new changes to the NHS? to the NHS? to the NHS? The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley has promised to give more choice to patients; “no decision without me” is something you will most probably hear him say a few times in the next couple of years. One of the most spoken about proposal is the scrapping of Primary Care Trusts (PCT) and Strategic Health Authorities (SHA). PCTs currently manage your primary care services (the people you first see when you have a health problem e.g. doctors, opticians, NHS Walk in Centres) and hold around 80% of the NHS budget. PCTs decide what health services a community needs and also make some important decisions on the types of services a hospital provides. However along with SHAs, the White Paper details plans to abolish both of these organisations placing the majority of the NHS budget in the hands of GPs. This means your doctor will be able to assist and buy the services you need. 2. So when will we notice the changes? 2. So when will we notice the changes? 2. So when will we notice the changes? Most of the changes are set to happen over the next three years. Some key dates are as follows: 3. What will GPs do with the budgets?3. What will GPs do with the budgets?3. What will GPs do with the budgets? GPs will become responsible for buying services for their patients, these include: hospital admissions, ambulance services, physiotherapy, out-of-hours care etc. GPs will not be responsible for public health, maternity services, pharmacy, ophthalmology and dentistry. 4. So who will look after the bits the GPs do not? 4. So who will look after the bits the GPs do not? 4. So who will look after the bits the GPs do not? The White Paper states that other local health functions that currently PCTs hold will be moved to local councils. 5. How will GPs control their funds? 5. How will GPs control their funds? 5. How will GPs control their funds? There are approximately 35,000 GPs in England who will shape themselves into about 500 consortia‟s based on their geographical area. They could manage themselves or recruit others to do so. A new NHS Commissioning Board will be set up to provide leadership and commissioning guidelines to GP Consortia. The Board will also hold GP Consortia to account for their performance and quality.

2012 GP consortia formally established.

2012 HealthWatch to be established.

2013 GPs to take over full commissioning role.

April 2013 Phase out of PCTs and SHAs.


6. What happens to hospitals? 6. What happens to hospitals? 6. What happens to hospitals? Hospitals will have to become Foundation Trusts by 2014. They will be free from government control and have more autonomy to manage their affairs. An independent regulator „Monitor‟ will regulate Foundation Trusts and will also be developed into an economic regulator by 2012. 7. Is this not the slippery slope to privatisation of the NHS?7. Is this not the slippery slope to privatisation of the NHS?7. Is this not the slippery slope to privatisation of the NHS? This isn‟t very clear in the White Paper, however many commentators think it might be. 8. What will happen to out8. What will happen to out8. What will happen to out---ofofof---hours care now? hours care now? hours care now? According to a Pulse (UK‟s leading medical weekly publication) survey, only one in seven GPs plan to start working later and weekends when they take over responsibility for out of hours care. In a re-cent press release the Department of Health stated its commitment, "GPs will be given responsibility to commission a wide range of services including out of hours services and they will have to ensure they commission high quality care that is demonstrably good value for money... out of hours investment will need to be considered as part of the whole urgent care system and not as an isolated service as it has been previously." 9. What say will patients have in all of this? 9. What say will patients have in all of this? 9. What say will patients have in all of this? Patient Involvement has been emphasised within the White Paper. Chapter two “putting patients and the public first”, details ways in which the government proposes to empower patients. 10. LINks will become Local HealthWatch 10. LINks will become Local HealthWatch 10. LINks will become Local HealthWatch --- so what does that mean for the so what does that mean for the so what does that mean for the existing responsibilities and structures? existing responsibilities and structures? existing responsibilities and structures? Yes, LINks will become Local HealthWatch which will be commissioned by Local Authorities to continue its current role as well taking on additional responsibilities. The additional responsibilities include providing advocacy and support to people, helping them make a choice about services and supporting them in their complaints. 11. The White Paper is out for consultation, will Leicestershire LINk be holding 11. The White Paper is out for consultation, will Leicestershire LINk be holding 11. The White Paper is out for consultation, will Leicestershire LINk be holding an event?an event?an event? It is important for us to ensure our members are kept informed of what is being proposed nationally. We are holding a meeting on the 29th September to discuss the White Paper, its implications and more importantly to hear what you have to say so that we can feed your view on the future of the health service back to the Department of Health. 12. Where can I find out more? 12. Where can I find out more? 12. Where can I find out more? Come along to our meeting being held in September. If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please contact Saima.

The Future of Adult The Future of Adult The Future of Adult Social Care: Social Care: Social Care: The Next Step EventThe Next Step EventThe Next Step Event


Leicestershire LINk and Leicestershire County Council held a very successful event at Parklands Leisure Centre on the 20th July 2010, which was attended by over 100 local people. The aim of the event was to inform the public about important changes in the way Adult Social Care services will be delivered in the future. Mick Connell, Director of Adult & Communities talked about the new strategic plan for the Department. People raised concerns about the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria, support for carers, information and advocacy for people with learning disabilities. Mick answered these questions and explained about the consultation process for the proposed changes in the eligibility criteria. Tony Dailide, Assistant Director (Promoting Independence) explained about how personalisation will work and how social care services will be provided in the future. These are important changes and there was a very lively debate, lots of opportunities for the public to raise their concerns and ask questions. In particular, people wanted re-assurance about safeguarding issues, information about

charging for services and how personalisation will affect the assessment of people‟s needs. Tony answered these questions and also provided information about the new Customer Service Centre, which in future will be the first point of contact with the Department. He felt that personalisation will empower people and allow them to take risks safely. A report will be produced and the LINk will be following up on the issues that were raised. The majority of people who attended the event felt that they learnt more about the new Adults & Communities Department and their future plans. Cllr David Sprason, who closed the event, said, “the next three years will be challenging but I believe that here in Leicestershire we can move forward with confidence thanks to our work with partners like Leicestershire LINk.”

Leicestershire LINk is going to visit a number of schools around the County to find out Young People‟s views on Health and Social Care issues. We have partnered with a number of organisations to offer a menu of health awareness workshops and displays. The workshops and displays are to address the concerns identified by the teachers at the schools and will focus on mental health, drugs and alcohol, stopping smoking and health and fitness. The aim of the roadshow as outlined by the Chair of the Young People's Group, Jhon Bateman, is to better engage with young people to enable them to make better informed decisions about their future health and lifestyle. The LINk looks forward to working closely with our schools and young people over the coming months. Please contact Ian or Kamini for further information.

Susan is a retired Head of Nursing/ Senior manager for University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) responsible for Education and Practice Standards. She is interested in supporting improvements in Primary Care locally, especially in elderly care. She is also currently the chair of GP Patient Participation Group and Committee member of the NHS Retirement Fellowship. She said, “I feel extremely privileged to have been elected to serve on the LINK Board. I am looking forward to working with Board colleagues and LINK members and hope to make a positive contribution to improving and developing health and social care across the county.”


In August, all members were invited to vote to appoint four new members to the Leicestershire LINk Board. Over 100 members cast their votes and the new members were invited to submit a short description to introduce themselves.

Thank you to everyone who put their names forward as candidates and also to those who voted. It is hoped that you will have an opportunity to meet the new

Board members at forthcoming events.

David was brought up and educated in Oakham and has lived in Leicestershire since 1968. He is now retired after working for the charity Age Concern England (Now Age UK) for over twelve years and before that for the BBC. Since retirement he has maintained a personal interest in is-sues about ageing and the care of older people. David is married with three children and four grandsons.

Alexandra has held various voluntary positions in the local community; Chairman of the Parish Council, President of the local WI and at present a member of the Parochial Church Council. As a consequence of these involvements she has become very interested in the running of the local community services, the NHS and the way in which they relate to the elderly. She said, “I feel the Leicestershire LINk provides a wonderful opportunity to ensure that these very important local care facilities are operated efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the people they are meant to serve.”

Meet the new LINk Board membersMeet the new LINk Board membersMeet the new LINk Board members

Rosemary is now retired and was Head teacher of Seagrave Village Primary School. She has an interest in young people and an ambassador to Rainbows Children and Young People‟s Hospice. Having received health care treatment, she is interested in knowing more about the workings of it. Rosemary has three children and eight grandchildren.


LINk Representatives needed LINk Representatives needed LINk Representatives needed Would you be interested in representing the LINk on the following: Charnwood Health and Well Being Partnership The purpose of the Partnership is to improve health and well being and to reduce health inequalities in Charnwood. It brings together District Councillors, Voluntary Organisations, County Council, the NHS and now the LINk. Meetings are held quarterly in the early evening at the Council Offices in Loughborough. Ideally the LINk Rep should live or work in Charnwood. Leicestershire Local Pharmaceutical Committee The purpose of the Committee is to support local pharmacy providers, exchange information and respond to consultations. It is a statutory body, which has to be consulted by PCTs on everything to do with contracts with community pharmacies. It is attended by representatives of

pharmacy providers as well as invited speakers and observers. The meetings are usually held in the City on the 2nd Monday of the month, (10 per year) with a couple of exceptions pending half-terms etc. They start at 1.30pm and are usually finished by 3.15pm. Your role: will be to attend meetings regularly, though we do hope to appoint people willing to deputise. provide a summary of the relevant proceedings and decisions made at the meetings, as well as any actions for the LINk. Our role: will be to arrange an induction meeting, so that you understand the purpose of the meetings, who is involved and what they are working on. support you at meetings if you feel this would be helpful. pay your travel expenses. If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact Gill.

YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!!YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!!YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!! The LINk needs more members to help with the following: Communications Group – responsible for publicity campaigns, website, newsletters and anything else that brings the LINk to people‟s attention. This group also decides on any training that is needed for the LINk. Project Group – deals with all the health and social care issues that are brought to the attention of the LINk, so lots to be involved with. Conference Working Group – planning the 2nd LINk Annual Conference (This is a short-term group). You don‟t need any specific knowledge to be on these groups, just a willingness to share your ideas and „roll-up‟ your sleeves. Meetings are usually every month and it is a great way to get involved. A Host Staff member supports each group. You can be involved in any of the groups and we really would encourage you to. If you are not sure, then please contact us for more detail, or alternatively just come along to find out for yourself.


Health and Social Care Health and Social Care Health and Social Care ISISIS Changing Changing Changing ––– how it will affect how it will affect how it will affect YOU!YOU!YOU!

We are delighted to give you early notice of the LINk 2nd Annual Conference. The theme of the conference is „Health and Social Care IS Changing – how it will affect YOU!’ Almost daily we hear on the news that the Government is planning radical changes for health and social care services, so this will be an opportunity to hear from a panel of speakers, including GPs how this will affect YOU. This will be followed by a „Question Time‟ session, which importantly will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the changes. To enable as many people as possible to attend, the conference will held at two separate venues – so, now‟s the time to put these dates in your diary: Tuesday 26th October - Gilbert Murray Conference Centre, Oadby Wednesday 3rd November - Link Hotel, Loughborough This is the perfect opportunity to meet other LINk members and find out about the work of the LINk. There will also be a few surprises.

More details and invitations will be sent to all members soon.

Working in Partnership worksWorking in Partnership worksWorking in Partnership works

Working closely with our statutory colleagues is absolutely vital if we are to bring about improvements in health and social care services. In order to make sure this happens and that we have clear processes in place for communicating with each other „Joint Protocols for Working Together‟ have been developed. Importantly, these have been formally agreed and signed by the LINk Chair and at very senior levels by our statutory colleagues. Without exception, the LINk has been delighted at the enthusiastic response to making these standards work, which aim to get organisations to involve the public in planning and developing of new and existing services; actively listening to what people have to say; and ensure people are kept informed.

Every three months, the LINk meets with senior staff to exchange information, identify current and forthcoming issues, as well as look at joint opportunities with the LINk, such as the Personalisation events with the County Council. Listed below are the statutory partners already signed-up. We expect a Protocol to be signed-off with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust soon.

Leicestershire County Council Adults & Communities Leicestershire Adult Social Care and Health Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee Leicestershire County & Rutland NHS Trust Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust East Midlands Ambulance Service

Is there an issue you would like to raise? Please contact

the Leicestershire LINk team!


Faith and Health matters?Faith and Health matters?Faith and Health matters?

Do health and social care services take into account the needs of all faith groups? Should faith be considered when receiving health services?

When the LINk attended a recent meeting with the Inter-faith Forum there was an interest in discussing these issues further. As a response to this, the LINk would like to hear your views. If you have thoughts or experience you would like to share with others and with health & social care staff e.g. meeting faith dietary needs, then please contact Kamini to register an interest.

Find us on Facebook

Connect with Leicestershire LINk on Facebook. We will be posting Health and

Social Care news items, giving you an opportunity to join in discussions and have

your say!

Neurological Services now ...and in Neurological Services now ...and in Neurological Services now ...and in the Future the Future the Future

Over 90 local people attended a very lively event on 2nd September at Parklands Leisure Centre Oadby to discuss Neurological Services. The event was jointly organised by Leicestershire LINk and Leicester City LINk and gave service users the chance to raise their concerns with senior managers from local Health and Social Care services. Many of those attending were service users and their carers. There were very strong feelings voiced about the service provision for people with neurological conditions. Information was provided about the important changes which are planned for the next few years and people were particularly interested in the plans to transfer the commissioning role of the NHS Trusts to GP consortia. The LINk plans to continue to work on neurological issues and if you are interested in joining a working group then please contact Christine.

Visit the Leicestershire LINk website: www.leicestershirelink.org.uk


Gill Wollerton Project Manager Tel: 0116 229 3028 Email: [email protected] Ian Clowes Engagement Officer Tel: 0116 229 3050 Email: [email protected] Christine Middleton Engagement Officer Tel: 0116 229 3048 Email: [email protected]

Kamini Patel Network Development Officer Tel: 0116 229 3029 Email: [email protected] Saima Khan Policy Officer Tel: 0116 229 3104 Email: [email protected] Gemma Hammond LINk Communications Officer Tel: 0116 229 3103 Email: [email protected]

LINk Membership Detail formsLINk Membership Detail formsLINk Membership Detail forms Earlier this year; we sent all members a copy of the more detailed membership form to help us find out more about you and your interests. Your views are extremely important to us, and it‟s also an opportunity to let us know what you would like to be involved in. If you have not already completed your form, please ensure that you return it to us. If you need another copy, please contact Gemma.

Contact Us Contact Us Contact Us --- Leicestershire LINk teamLeicestershire LINk teamLeicestershire LINk team

LINk Annual Report 2009/10LINk Annual Report 2009/10LINk Annual Report 2009/10 The Leicestershire LINk Annual Report is available to download from our website. If you would like a paper copy, please contact Gemma.

Write to: FREEPOST RSCK-LBKH-UBGL, Leicestershire LINk, Leicester, LE4 1HB

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0116 229 3103

Documents

Leicestershire LINk Newsletter (Issue 8)