Sheffield Local Involvement Network

We were delighted to see a write up of our LINk Event on the Health White Paper in The Star newspaper on Thursday 2 Septemember.

Our event discussing the NHS White Paper on 24 August was a great success.

Helen, Malcolm and Mike take a look at the White Paper

Helen Stevens, Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement at NHS Sheffield, (see left) started the proceedings by outlining the White Paper - Equity and Excellence:Liberating the NHS. It was very informative and those present were clear about how big these changes are and also how much detail is still to be decided.

Those present then split into groups to discuss an aspect of the White Paper and although people could have talked for far longer, some excellent points were made and people did have a chance to have their say. There was a lot of concern about what the changes would really mean for people and services. The meeting was also unanimous in its concern that GPs might use private companies to commission, or buy-in, healthcare services and that this would mean taxpayers money going to these private companies.

The latest Bulletin from Sheffield LINk was published today (August 26 2010).

Within its 4 pages you can:

• find out how Sheffield Teaching Hospitals responded to our meeting on delays in discharging people from hospital
• meet our new Administrator Jessica r
• read about becoming an Older People's or Dignity Champion
• discover what we are doing with Sheffield Mobile Library
• keep up-to-date with all the current consultations
• find out about the launch of Sheffield Cancer Voices
• review the dates for your diary.

'Skilling up for Personalisation' is a conference being organised by Voluntary Action Sheffield as an intensive and practice way to help people prepare for personalisation. This is specifically designed for service providers from the voluntary and community sector and follows feedback from previous events about the key issues for VCS organisations. It includes a choice of practical workshops and will look at personalisation from both an organisation's and a user's perspective.

The conference will take place on Friday 17 September from 9:00-4:00. A booking fee of £50 per person applies although bursary places are available. If you are interested in this, please download the event details below and complete the application form on the last page.

Skilling up for Personalisation conference information.