Local Involvement Networks (LINks) have shown some improvements in productivity and effectiveness in their second year – but more work is needed to make them effective and good value for taxpayers’ money, according to a report published today.

The announcement comes after the Government's response to the NHS White Paper consultation, ‘Liberating the NHS: Legislative Framework and Next Steps’, outlined plans to build on the current system of LINks in health and social care with the introduction of independent Local HealthWatch organisations.

Whilst the report highlights that improvements have been made, it also identifies significant variation in performance and effectiveness between LINks. The 2009/10 analysis of LINks’ annual reports showed:

* LINks activity has led to an estimated 440 service changes and 500 service reviews – but 40 per cent reported that they had not inspired any service review or change.

* Estimated membership has tripled since 2008/09 to 70,300.

* Almost 200,000 members of the public were engaged with LINks.

* Local involvement is cost-effective – LINks has the potential to save over £120 million per year. We are expecting HealthWatch to deliver even greater value by reducing variation across England.

LINks aim to engage ordinary people and patients in how health and social care services are provided in their communities. The involvement of patient groups and families in exposing failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust showed the NHS how important the patient voice is in raising concerns about the quality of care the NHS provides.

The new system of Local Healthwatch organisations will harness local involvement so that everyone can benefit from health and social care services that are fit for the purposes of the local community.

They will continue to be funded by local authorities but will be more accountable for operating effectively and providing value for money. They will also have a fundamental new role in designing and developing health and social care services through new Health and Wellbeing Boards.

Local HealthWatch organisations will be uniquely placed to make sure that any patient complaints and concerns reported to them are used to help make improvements for everyone in the community. Where the information suggests that standards are slipping, independent Local HealthWatch organisations will be able to investigate, visit services and make recommendations for improvements - and if they are not satisfied with the response they can escalate issues to HealthWatch England or to the regulator, the Care Quality Commission.

Health Minister Simon Burns said:

"The work of so many LINks volunteers shows what a strong appetite there is for people to get involved with health and social care in our local communities. This enthusiasm is something that can grow and develop with the introduction of more effective local HealthWatch organisations.

"Healthwatch will usher in a new generation of patient champions with the resources and powers to support the needs of their local communities. I hope this report will act as a call to action for members of the public and LINks volunteers to lead the way in this reform and to become the first Healthwatch Pathfinders in England."