Fly flag for health care

9:50am Friday 10th October 2008

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Keighley people are being invited to fly the flag for a better health service.

They can air their concerns about services like hospitals and GPs at the launch of a new NHS watchdog.

The district’s Local Involvement Network will be showcased in Keighley’s Temple Row Centre on Tuesday .

Visitors can help create a large three-dimensional map containing models of key features like hospitals and GP surgeries.

They will be able to plant flags in individual features highlighting their issues and concerns.

Launch events are being held across the district with more to come in Denholme, Silsden, Steeton and Haworth.

The Bradford LINk aims to give everyone in the district a say in how health and social care is delivered.

It will bring people together with similar concerns and ensure service providers, like health trusts and Bradford Council, respond to issues raised.

The network is being co-ordinated by Keighley Voluntary Services from its Skipton Road base.

Melvyn Newton, the LINk support group manager, wanted to make sure everyone could influence social care provision.

He said: “We are particularly keen to hear from those people whose voices have not been heard in the past.”

The event at the Temple Row Centre, off North Street near the NatWest Bank, runs from 1-3pm, with lunch at 12.30pm.

A LINk spokesman said people could get involved as a concerned member of the public or as a member of a group.

They can get involved in ways such as joining a development group, by answering a short survey or attending occasional meetings.

LINk staff can help by providing accurate information, conducting research or linking groups with common issues so they have a stronger voice.

LINk members can visit hospitals and nursing and residential homes, refer matters to an improvement committee and examine all health and care services funded by the taxpayer.

Anyone interested in getting involved, or attending the launch event, can contact Mr Newton on 01535 665258 or email melvyn@keighleyvs.org.

Upcoming one-hour information sessions: Mechanics Institute, Denholme, October 21, 10.30am; Town Hall, Silsden, October 27, 10.30am; Kadugli House, Elmsley Street, Steeton, 27, 2pm; West Lane Baptist Church, Haworth, November 4, 9.30am.