Archive for June, 2009

Wandsworth Local Involvement Network (LINk) is wanting to recruit a Project and Outreach Worker.

• 21-28 hours per week by arrangement
• Salary in range £25000-£30,000 p.a. pro-rata dependent on hours, qualifications and experience

The Local Involvement Network for the London Borough of Wandsworth area has an agreed list of priority health and social campaigns with which we need support.

The core of the job is to provide research and analysis skills to support the work of the voluntary LINk Executive.

You will therefore need a very good understanding of health and social care services and the proven ability to undertake relevant research, analyse findings, draft clearly written reports and make oral presentations.

Our members are impatient to achieve improved services without delay so you must be able to deliver high quality work to agreed timetables.

You will be self-sufficient in relation to Information Technology and be able to deliver high quality results with the minimum of support and guidance.

You will come with excellent references from either a previous employer or somebody who can vouch for your relevant skills and abilities.

If you are interested and want to know more please contact the Wandsworth LINk Chair, Jeremy Ambache on 07828 132 814 or the Director of our HOST team Wandsworth Care Alliance, Jason Edgington on 020 8696 1709.

For an application pack please email enquiries@wandsworthlink.org.uk or telephone 020 8696 1709.

Closing date for applications is Monday 13th July 2009.

Wandsworth Care Alliance is an equal opportunities employer and a registered charity No. 1110178

Please Join Us!

You are invited to a fact finding day organised by the Wandsworth LINk Secondary Health and Social Care sub-group. Attendance is free and lunch is provided.

The Bridge Oakmead Road Balham SW12
10am till 4pm, Thursday 25th June
Over 7 different speakers from Health and Social services

YOUR FULL PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY

• 10.00 am
  Welcome and Introductions – Suzanna Kawalek, Chair of the Secondary Health and Social Care Sub Group
• 10.15 am
  Ernest Johnson, Barnes Hospital
• 10.45 am
  Sarah Lehman and Linda Best, Wandsworth Social Services
• 11.15 am Break
• 11.45 am
  Tom Clarke, Associate Director of Nursing, Springfield Hospital
• 12.15 pm
  Jacqueline Kerkham, Kingston Hospital
• 12.45 – 1.45pm LUNCH
• 2.00 pm
  Jo Jackson, NHS Wandsworth
  Tonia Michaelides, Associate Director, Acute Commissioning Team
• 2.30 pm
  Scott Bennett, Head of Patient Flow and Clinical Site Management, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Trust
• 3.00 pm Break
• 3.15 pm
  Contributions from User/Patient/Carer representatives with experience of hospital discharge processes
• 3.45 pm
  Final Questions and Close of Day

It would helpful if you could let us know if you are coming so we have an idea of the numbers for lunch. We would delighted to answer any questions you have about the day. Contact the LINk office in the first instance.

Email:
enquiries@wandsworthlink.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8696 1709

Roger Appleton attended on behalf of the LINks and his full report can be seen here. Amongst the points Roger noted was a delay on the South Wandsworth consultation which will now run until 7th September. NHS Wandsworth reported on its performance and there are three main ones – teenage conceptions, ambulance response times to Category B calls and availability of appointment slots on Choose and Book.

The current planned development on the Putney Hospital site has been put on hold. Reasons given were the fall in residential property values making the overall development too expensive for current NHS guidelines. Further consideration was to be given as to whether demolition should go ahead. This “temporary” pause in the plans here offers the LINk a chance to identify whether there are other options which are of better value to patients, particularly those from local GP practices.

There is now an easy and quick way to check and see if there are opportunities for you to join in and participate in the work of the LINk. We advertise all such opportunities as they come up as a news item which is ‘filed’ under the ‘News by Category’ column on the right hand side of the page. If you click on this, you can scroll through all the different ways that you can contribute. If you need more information then do not hesitate to contact us in the way suggested in each item.

Jenny Weinstein has responded on behalf of the LINk Executive Committee and members and we reproduce below what she has written to Dawn Warwick Director of Adult Services, Wandsworth Council. You can see the Council’s consultative document here (filed under Resources | Health & Social Care on the navigation menu at the top of the page).

LINk

Wandsworth LINk has a role within the borough to enhance the involvement and engagement of service users, patients and the local community in decisions about the development of NHS and local authority social services (not child care).

Wandsworth LINk welcomes the initiative of the Adults Services Department to begin a dialogue about how to extend involvement and engagement of service users and is keen to work in partnership to implement the proposals. Wandsworth LINk is fully in support of the values and philosophy underpinning the Adult Services User Engagement and Involvement Strategy.

The Consultation

Time Scale

The time scale for this consultation was the month of April in which Easter fell. This meant effectively 3 weeks. LINk requested an additional month but, in our view this was really not long enough to consult on such an important issue.

Extent of user/community participation

The Council’s own consultation was undertaken through a series of open meetings attended by a total of 83 people. In our view, consultation would have been more effective had it been possible to organize – with good notice – more visits to resources where users are likely to be.

In order to consult our service user and carer constituency, LINk set up two meetings at which Council officers were invited to engage with users about the strategy. A total of 30 service users/carers were involved. Unfortunately, making the necessary arrangements for transport, finding suitable dates and venues meant that these meetings did not take place until early June and there were only two meetings – hence this response did not meet the Council’s deadline and only represents the views of 30 users

LINk appreciates that the Community partners group of users and carers played a key role in the development of the strategy under consultation. It would have been helpful if the document had explained their involvement and given a direct voice to their views on the proposals. They were still referred to (P25) as `being given more of an understanding…` rather than being acknowledged as experts who give professionals an understanding…

What users and carers want

Overview

From the growing and extensive literature and research (refs available), Wandsworth LINk is aware that the majority of service users want the following from the services they receive:

• To be listened to
• To be treated with dignity and respect
• To have access to a named person with whom they can build a trusting relationship
• To be able to rely on services – i.e they do what they say they will do at the times agreed
• To be kept fully informed of developments
• To be alerted in advance about changes and, ideally to be asked their view
• To have access to responsive out of hours emergency support for crisis

Feedback from LINk meetings

All of the above issues were raised by users attending the LINk meetings where the following points were also made:

• User involvement in decision about when to withdraw services – not based on pre-ordained criteria i.e records should indicate service users’ and carers’ views about the absolute essentials that they perceive they need in order to live independently/support recovery
• Regular reviews of services to ensure that they continue to be adequate/relevant
• Need for a more consistent system and data base for consultation – not random or `just the usual suspects`
• Need to ensure that users do not have to `tell their story` again and again when their circumstances change and they need to reapply for services – passport system – use of service user’s own assessment of their needs?
• Improved recording so that as information is passed between professionals/agencies, errors do not arise
• Self assessment should really mean self assessment – not people telling users what their needs are
• More seamless working across health and social care
• More consultation about service closures – let people know exactly what is proposed in the full project plan; improve communication and use simple understandable language (e.g Atheldene service changes)
• Extension of advocacy services to ensure users` views represented
• Significant improvement needed in communication between services, service users and carers.
• Need to consult and listen to carers (especially people in fear of violence from user)
• Need to safeguard vulnerable isolated housebound people whose voices are not being heard and who are unlikely to challenge decisions that they are not eligible for services.

Consulting and engaging users – need for a local neighbourhood approach.

Many adult service users, either because of age or disability prefer to remain in their local vicinity. Even if transport is provided, they do not usually want to travel for more than 20 mins each way and some are reluctant or unable to travel.

This does not appear to be acknowledged sufficiently within the strategy. In order for these groups to be consulted, there needs to be a system of involvement and engagement that does not require these individuals to attend centrally organized meetings.

Reference groups

While recognizing the value of establishing a reference groups for users and one for carers, LINk would warn of the following difficulties that could arise in the absence of a stronger grass roots user involvement movement being established within the Borough:

• The reference group members may not have a broad constituency – need to include diverse groups including people with sensory impairments and people from different cultural and religious groups and those with diverse life styles
• Reference group members would be used for consultations on every issue and could become burnt out
• Reference group members could become perceived as an extension of the Council if they are not empowered to play an innovative or leadership role rather than a passive role in service development. i.e they need to develop the agenda and be involved from the start.

We appreciate that a great deal of work has gone into establishing the current Community Partners group and existing partnership boards involving users and carers within Wandsworth and can see that individuals from these groups will play a valuable role in the new reference groups. However, it is important to ensure that systems are set up to seek and enable new members to participate.

Existing user networks established by WCA for people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems and the Older People’s forum are much valued by service users and provide useful forums for user consultation. Service users with physical disabilities were previously supported to meet in the same way but funding for their forum came to an end. Service users with physical disabilities and sensory impairments have told LINk that they would value being supported to meet together and to be consulted as a user group and that, although they welcome the idea of a User-Led organisation, this would not substitute for their forum.

Working with the Voluntary and Independent Sectors

As set out in the document, WCA and the carers’ centre have undertaken some excellent pioneering work of involving and empowering service users and carers. However, the document does not adequately acknowledge the rest of the third sector in Wandsworth and does not mention working with them to facilitate engagement at a local level. The third sector within Wandsworth has access to a wide range of service users, including those from less heard groups and could therefore play a vital role in the engagement strategy.

Summary of Recommendations

1. User involvement and engagement is a long process of relationship building and trust building. There are now a number of successful models being operated in other areas. It may be helpful for those implementing the strategy to have some opportunity to meet active service users in other areas to hear how their involvement systems have been developed.

1. A primary role for the reference groups would be to get out into the community and speak to as many users and carers as possible in order to represent their views.

1. The reference groups might work with officers to develop a strategy to reach seldom heard groups, using existing agencies in the Borough who are building these relationships such as Wandsworth Empowerment Network and BME groups.

1. It is suggested that a Borough wide data base of service user and carer groups and of individual users and carers interested in being consulted should be developed jointly between LINk, the Council and the NHS.

1. From a LINk discussion with the Director of MH Services at Springfield, his understanding is that the Adult Services User Involvement Srategy does not cover his service. Given that MH services are integrated health and social care services, we suggest that a joint strategy for user involvement in mental health be agreed and published.

1. LINk suggests that service user-led training for all staff involved in the delivery of services and a Departmental commitment to the strategy would go a long way to meeting users’ stated requirements for full involvement and engagement.

1. P.25 viii We suggest that the Council should commit to user involvement in specific activities such as involvement in staff interviews, own care plans, peer advocacy, strategic developments, evaluation, tendering process, staff training etc etc.

1. P.27 Suggest that a Newsletter should be published more frequently than annually and that other innovative ways should be developed for the Council to communicate relevant developments to specific groups.

Relationship with LINk.

LINk is keen to work in partnership with the Council on their strategy and to be as helpful as possible. However, users and carers and other groups that we have encountered have also stressed the importance of LINk retaining its independence as an organization.

For this reason, we feel it is important for service users and carers involved in Council consultation bodies to make their own decisions about whether or not they join LINk and that Newsletters and e- bulletins etc need to be separate although, of course, we can make contributions to each other’s publications.

Jenny Weinstein June 2009

(on behalf of LINk)

Your chance to debate directly with senior NHS Wandsworth managers at the LINks Meeting 8th June.

Not just one but two senior managers from NHS Wandsworth are coming to present to us ….. and then listen to LINk member’s  and patients views on important issues for users of health services.

Di Caulfeild-Stoker Director of Provider Services NHS Wandworth  will talk about plans to separate out the community health services from the commissioning functions of NHS Wandsworth. What is the preferred organisational arrangement for the new body? see our news items on provider services posted on 22nd April this year for information on what this is and what it might mean for users of these services. You can see the topic discussed (they call it ‘Externalisation’) in the April 2009 Wandsworth Board papers here

Rachel Miles Associate Director of Strategy will talk about the current plans and public consultation on GP and polyclinic services in South Wandsworth. Do you want polyclinics and if so what services should they provide? For more about this consultation see our news item on 5th June with links to the consultation document and a questionnaire for you to complete after you have heard what Rachel Miles has to say.

Both will give their talks after we have got through the agenda for the Executive meeting

All are welcome to come along and listen and have your say!

The formal consultation on the future of health services in “South Wandsworth” is now live on the PCT’s website and runs until 7^th September. LINks members and others are invited to hear all about it directly from Rachel Miles of NHS Wandsworth at the LINks meeting on Monday 8th June at Earlsfield Library, 276 Magdalen Road, SW18 3NX.

You can download the consultation document from the site and also complete the questionnaire online if you wish.

Note the dates of the other public meetings which have been arranged to discuss the proposals:

7pm on Thursday 18 June 2009
Balham Library
16 Ramsden Road
Balham
London SW12 8QY

7pm on Thursday 2 July 2009
Anchor Church Centre
273 Garratt Lane
Wandsworth
London SW18 4DU

7pm on Tuesday 7 July 2009
John Parker Lecture Theatre
Atkinson Morley Wing
St George’s Hospital
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
London SW17 0QT

As well as these public meetings you can go to community and voluntary group meetings across south Wandsworth to discuss these proposals. If you would like Wandsworth NHS to present their proposals to your group or team contact the communications team at comms@wpct.nhs.uk or on 020 8812 7605.

The LINk will be working with local groups to make sure that Wandsworth voices are heard – watch this space for more news on this important topic. Get involved at once by listening to Rachel Miles of NHS Wandsworth on Monday night 8th June.

LINks VACANCY - ADULT SERVICES ‘EVIDENCING OUTCOMES’ STEERING GROUP

“Allowed me to feel more control” This is what just one person using home care told us she felt having home care had achieved.

Adult social services wants to be able to hear statements about what has been achieved from everyone using social care! And we have a group working on this.

We are looking for someone who uses Adult Social Care Services to join the group as a representative of the LINk. The group meets monthly in office hours either morning or afternoon (is flexible), usually for 2 hours. This is involvement for which Adult Social Services will offer payment at £7.50/hour (as well as reimbursement of expenses).

Contact Simonne Reid at simonne@wandcareall.org.uk or on 020 8696 1709.

We are looking for people to join the Wandsworth LINk Enter and View team.

What is Enter and View?

The Enter and View programme is an important part of the way the LINk works. LINk members can visit and report on premises where health and social care services are being used by Wandsworth residents. Generally these premises will be run either by NHS Wandsworth or Wandsworth Borough Council or on their behalf by contractors.

The People We Need

Wandsworth LINk now needs people who can talk with users and take note of what is happening in places where problems have been reported, or where examples of interesting or good practice can be made known and publicised. You may undertake up to one visit a month as part of a team. You will need to attend a briefing meeting before the visit and a meeting afterwards to agree with team members on the key points for the written report.

Wandsworth LINk wants to attract a diverse group of Wandsworth residents who would like to work for users and patients in this way, connect with them and represent their views. You will need some knowledge of health and social care services either from work, volunteering, or personal experience. Training and support will be given.

Closing date for applications: 29^th June 2009.

Interviews will be held at Bedford House on 13^th and 14^th July 2009.

CRB check needed

All successful applicants must undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, and will agree to have their names published as LINk representatives.

Expenses and payment

Reasonable out of pocket expenses and payments of £7.50 per hour can be claimed.

Wandsworth LINk is committed to its Diversity and Equality Statement.

If you would like more information and an application form, please get in touch with us via the LINk host contact details below:

Wandsworth Care Alliance,

Bedford House, 2^nd floor

215 Balham High Road,

SW17 7BQ

Phone: 020 8696 1709

E-mail: enquiries@wandsworthlink.org.uk

If you are a LINk member, you are invited to attend and report back on meetings and activities you attend wearing a LINk hat. Currently we have invitations for a couple of opportunities to do that. The first is a chance to join the Patient Information Group at St Georges Hospital with a first meeting on 9 June at 2pm and the Long Term Conditions Steering group (NHS Wandsworth).

If you are interested please contact the LINks office to hear more about what is involved via ‘Contact Us’  at the top of the page.

Externalisation in Wandsworth – what’s that?

Another opportunity to make your voice heard is offered by changes in the way NHS services are provided to you. We mentioned these changes in two 22nd April news items: the first featuring the PECMAN report back and the second giving the full list of provider services. These new arrangements are now being called ‘Externalisation in Wandsworth’. This is all about the new ways that services currently provided by NHS Wandsworth will be offered in future.

NHS Wandsworth would like to invite you to participate in a WANDSWORTH PROVIDER SERVICES EXTERNALISATION WORKSHOP  being held on Tuesday 23^rd June 2009 at 12.30 – 5.00pm in Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5TN.

This workshop will

• Explain the favoured options identified by the Board and outline the scope and limitations of each.
• Help you consider the implications for Wandsworth of these models by presentation of examples of these from elsewhere (case histories)
• Enable discussion and analysis of the likely outcome of implementation of each.

If you would like to sign up to this please let Colin Smith at NHS Wandsworth know as well as the LINks office.

Colin is the Public and Patient Involvement Manager at NHS Wandsworth and you can reach him at

Wandsworth Teaching Primary Care Trust
3rd Floor
Wimbledon Bridge House
Hartfield Road
London SW19 3RU

or by phone 0208 812 7743 or email at Colin.Smith@wpct.nhs.uk