The Partnership Development Team

A Stronger Local Voice is a consultation document which sets out the Government’s plans for the future of patient and public involvement in health and social care.

These plans include the establishment of Local Involvement Networks (LINks) which will replace patient forums. LINks will work with existing voluntary and community sector groups, as well as interested individuals to promote public and community influence in health and social care.

The package of plans is designed to promote the importance of user and public involvement at all levels of the health and social care system, and to create a system which enables more people to become involved and have their voices heard.

To download A Stronger Local Voice, click here.

In December 2006, the Government published their response to the consultation. This document is the framework that was developed from the Stronger Local Voice consultation and the advice that was received. The framework was developed in response to the commitment made to provide a stronger voice for individuals and communities in health and social care services.

The purpose of the new framework is to make sure that the needs, preferences and involvement of local people, including those that are seldom heard, are central to the planning, development and delivery of health and social care services.