Staffordshire LINk… public meeting on Jan 26th
“Staffordshire’s health and social care services must have tough but fair challenge to improve services”…
That’s why it was right to call it a day on the previous Local Involvement Network arrangements. Despite the tremendous efforts of volunteers the LINk had not offered the challenge it should have done since its inception. 
Volunteers from the Staffordshire LINk broadly welcome a fresh start
But whilst my decision to start things afresh has been widely welcomed by most people there are still a few problems because of bad blood and disagreements between a small number of LINk volunteers.
It was for that reason I thought it best to limit attendance at the recent meeting to existing LINk volunteers only. As it turned out that was probably the right thing to do as it was pretty lively at times although ended positively.
Going forwards we need as many new volunteers as possible to play a part in examining and advising health and social care services so it’s best that any issues are left firmly in the past. The public meeting to consult on the way forward takes place on 26th January and that marks the potential for real progress and a strong Staffordshire LINk in the future.
So, if you want to have an ongoing say in Staffordshire’s health economy and services come along to Yarnfield Conference Centre, near Stone, and consider becoming a LINk volunteer. It’s on from 10am to 4.30pm.
This is a real opportunity to shape Staffordshire’s future in Health and Social Care so do consider taking part.
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3 comments
Lots of I’s and me’s and what you are doing. My first point is that the L.I.N.k is an independent body, not a political football to be used as self interest. The second is are you a signed up member that could have been there at the start to advance the hard work put in by the FEW.I did see but missed you at YARNFIELD and always welcome constructive discussion.
Response to Mr Burton’s LINk comments…
The Local Involvement Network (LINk) which examines and influences how health and care services are delivered is crucial.
But, despite the enormous efforts of Mr Burton and others it is clear, I’m afraid, that it hasn’t done all it was originally set up for. In my view, in the 20 odd months it has been going, it has not been as obvious to the public as it should have been and it’s an undisputable fact that different factions within it have impacted badly on greater real and meaningful delivery.
The previous County Council set it up and appointed the ‘host’ and left it pretty well to itself. Despite the hard work of many LINk volunteers (which I keep mentioning) I felt, as many do, it needed a fresh start with more new people taking part.
The ‘I’ and ‘me’ you mention is interesting. Local politicians are criticised for being faceless with accountability unclear. I’m passionate about clear better local democracy and think that needs obvious responsibility and accountability.
Whilst LINk approach, outcomes and advice must be independent, its financing and ultimate accountability lies with me.
Part of better Local Government and democracy is about people knowing exactly who to aim criticism or comment at just like you have done in your comments.
So that aspect seems to be working and I take your comments on board. Many thanks for them.
Dear Matthew,
I am grateful for your reply,but as a member who with many others have put in many hours and miles.If this link is left in suspension it will die. No way can all these weeks be wasted, some action “what ever” needs to be taken with the utmost of urgency.
Who ever/whatever caused this broken link needs to put in fast action to do the intended job before the unsupported expertise walks.
regards,
Cyril B. of B.
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