Under the Health and Social Care Bill which is currently going through parliament Local Invovlvement Networks (LINKs) such as Coventry LINk will become Local HealthWatch organisations.

Local HealthWatch Organisations will:

1. Help shape the planning and delivery of local health and social care services - a continuation of LINk’s current role
2. Provide signposting  and  to help people make choices about health and care services
3. Signpost to or provide an advocacy service for people making a complaint using the NHS complaints process.

Summary of key differences between Local HealthWatch and LINks

Download our presentation on HealthWatch here (PDF file 97KB)

HealthWatch England

HealthWatch England will provide leadership, support and advice for local HealthWatch organisations, creating greater consistency across the country.

HealthWatch England will be able to advise the Secretary of State for Health, the NHS Commissioning Board, English local authorities and Monitor as well as the CQC about concerns raised by local HealthWatch organisations.

HealthWatch England will be able to request that the CQC carries out an investigation if it has evidence of poorly performing services.

Go to recent devlopments about HealthWatch and ways to give your views

Go to our Health and Social Care Bill page

Go to Department of Health's Transition Plan for LINk on the Department of Health website