Patrick Vernon

Cllr Patrick Vernon spoke at the final annual general meeting (AGM) for Brent LINk to discuss the changes taking place with the implementation of Healthwatch England, the watchdog body replacing LINk.

Healthwatch England will be part of a new Healthwatch network from April 2013, giving people who use health and social care services a powerful voice locally and nationally.

Mr Vernon, a committee member of Healthwatch England, addressed the transition that would be made from LINk to healthwatch. He said: “I stressed that patients and public Involvement and participation is very important in the move when Healthwatch is fully set up by April 2013. I encourage LINk members to ensure they are involved and engaged with whatever organisation gets commissioned for Healthwatch Brent.”

He added that he would provide support and help to Brent as a Committee member from Healthwatch England.

Healthwatch England will gather and analyse information from local services, and take its findings to the national bodies which plan and run care services. It will tell them people’s concerns, pass on and analyse information, and offer advice.

To read the final Brent LINK AGm report click here