One of the changes that has occured in Wandsworth recently has been the creation of the Wandsworth Link. Previously, we used to have patient forums who acted as the voice of the patient for our different hospitals. These were very successful and got on with raising unglamorous, but important issues, and ensuring that they hospitals acted upon them. A prime example of this was the good work that the St George's patients forums did with the issues surrounding patient transport.
However, the Government decided that they were going to abolish patient forums and instead replace them with something called the Link system. This would be an opt in membership based organisation, with both individual and group members, that would scrutinise local healthcare issues.
Why do the Government always try to constantly change things in the NHS just as they are working?
Wandsworth Council were VERY disappointed to see the patient forums disbanded just as they were starting to really make an impact. But they got on the case straight away to get a Wandsworth Link going. As a result we have a functioning Link in place when most areas have nothing.
The early meetings of the Link have had some controversy about them. An organisation called the Wandsworth Care Alliance is supposed to act as the "host" for the Link. This means that they get money from Wandsworth Council to act as a facilitator and provide practical assistance to the volunteers who are on the Link itself. The Link is supposed to be both democratic and self governing. However, some members of the Link were unhappy with the democratic process that Wandsworth Care Alliance outlined for the opening meeting to decide who should be on the Link executive. As a result the first meeting was a raucous affair which resulted in no elections but instead the appointment of all those who had submitted their names forward for election.
We need to find a suitable democratic system next time around...
There were also problems with the initial meetings of the Link executive. These were decided to be in private so that the team could get to know each other. Many people were dismayed at the lack of transparency that this implied.
Perhaps next time we can have the meetings in public and the Link executive can have a private drink afterwards to get to know each other better...
Anyway, it is very important that the Wandsworth Link succeeds. Although it has had a rocky start there are some very good people involved in it (I have met with several of them already and spoken to the Wandsworth Care Alliance about things). I am sure that when these initial teething problems settle down it will start to make an impact. To do that it needs to do the following six things:
1. Develop a proper democratic framework.
2. Be open and transparent in its processes.
3. Fully take on board all the expertise of the old Patient Forums and not start from scratch.
4. Always send representatives to all the NHS Board meetings.
5. Focus on two or three achievable campaigns at a time and not try to do everything.
6. Remember that while the members of the Link will be people very engaged with their community, many of the users are not so engaged but still need representation - like busy young professionals and the housebound elderly.
I would encourage people to become a member and have their say. There is no better way to show that you care about improving our local NHS and Social care provision. You can join here.
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