Thursday, 20 December 2007
LINks Response
We have responded to the last consultation on the LINks and see www.mooreadamsoncraig.co.uk/Regulations-For-LINks-Response.php for our response in full.
We are in favour of LINks being able to insist on information being supplied and that they should have the same rights as the Forums. The basic provisions of the Freedom of Information Act are not sufficient and to rely on them would sent a message that LINks are of little account. We want to see speedy responses from commissioners and providers of health and social care and having a deadline of 20 days will concentrate minds. We are worried that there may be occasions when the Local Authority has a conflict of interest in the face of a LINks referral if the local authority is a provider or a commissioner. We suggest the appointment of a paid lay assessors would make the system fairer and less open to criticism. It is essential that there should be a merged Health and Social Care OSC to reflect the new reality on the ground.
M-A-C's response to the Consultation on the Regulations for LINks is here.