The development of Local Healthwatch in Kent Part one: key findings

Evolving from LINks
Participants’ contributions about LINks were varied and there was less
consensus about the key messages than for other elements of the ‘statement
of readiness’ assessment. Differences of opinion were often based on the
relationship a respondent had with LINks including their experience and
background knowledge of working together. Perspectives also varied based
on participants’ role within LINks itself.
Key areas of consensus were:
• An appreciation of the learning, experience and knowledge that LINks has
collected
• Building on this experience to ensure K LHW is effective
• Valuing the contributions of volunteers, members, governors and staff
• The importance of ensuring that the transition from LINks to K LHW is in
the best interests of local people
• Recognising the uncertainty for LINks volunteers and staff and ensuring
they have a voice and support during the transition
As LINks has developed and applied what it has learnt to the latest phase of
its work plan a number of positive themes have emerged:
• Finding new ways to work across Kent at the local, ward, district and
county levels
• Working in partnership with the Patient Participation Groups linked to GP
surgeries
• Building new relationships with GPs
• New initiatives to promote transparency within LINks including the setting of
priorities
• Developing the engagement of children and young people
LINks volunteers and host staff have been active in their support for
the ‘statement of readiness’ assessment and have provided significant
contributions, insight and practical support. It is important to recognise that
the transition from LINks to K LHW does represent an ending for this part of
peoples’ lives and also introduces uncertainty for the future. Research by the
Centre for Public Scrutiny identifies that a well managed transition to K LHW
is the best strategy to ensure that good volunteers are not lost to the process.
However, there were areas of difference about LINks and these emerge in
some of the data presented in part two of the report. This learning is valuable
as it articulates some of the challenges that public engagement initiatives face
and highlights learning that will need to be incorporated into the development
of K LHW. There was a general consensus that K LHW would build on the
Part one: key findings 19