Our achievements

In the past year the LINk has helped to

 

shape the way statutory organisations carry out public involvement

LINk promotes and encourages public involvement from the concept stage of a service. It has therefore worked with statutory partners to develop a framework for public involvement to be embedded within organisations. This will ensure that the public are involved from the start.  

 

achieve additional support for people newly diagnosed with conditions on the autism spectrum

The LINk mental health group raised this issue with the service providers who are now liaising with patients to identify their needs and to evaluate what services are in place to support them.

 

make medical research more relevant to the public

Northamptonshire LINk has been instrumental in helping research networks to approach their work from a patient and public involvement perspective. Recently, NHS research organisation, Collaboration and Leadership Applied Health Research and Care, has allocated funding to support a researchers’ forum where they can discuss, develop and share ways of involving the public in doing research.

 

influence how the local authority gathers people’s views

Northamptonshire County Council recently began a consultation as part of their review of fair charging for social care. Members expressed concerns about the questionnaire and the process. As a result of the public’s input to LINk, the council extended the consultation and worked with the public to revise the questionnaire and consultation events.