About LINkrotherham

LINkrotherham was launched on 23rd October 2008 and is a completely independent way for the people of Rotherham to express their opinions on local health and social services and influence how these services are delivered.

LINkrotherham is a network of local people, organisations and community groups.

The job of a LINk is to find out what people like and dislike about local services and to work with the people who plan and run them to help make them better.
 

Current issues and concerns

LINkrotherham is currently working on the following projects.  If you would like more information or would like to participate in one of these projects please contact a member of the LINk Support Team.

Laughton Common
Laughton Common is a small but growing village near Dinnington.  The area does not have many local facilities and people have to travel to Dinnington or the surrounding area to access GP and Dental services.  The Laughton Common TARA (Tenants and Residents Association) recently approached LINkrotherham to request help to carry out a piece of research to determine whether Laughton Common now justifies some form of GP and/or Dental provision within the village.
 
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
To determine which services are available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients in outpatient clinics at Rotherham Hospital and if these services meet their needs.
 
GP Patient Involvement
LINkrotherham is working with a small group of GP's on patient engagement.  LINkrotherham will assist the GP's to determine the best away of involving patients and if necessary help to set up patient groups.
 
Personalisation
Personalisation starts with the person and not the service.  It recognises that individuals are best placed to decide what support they need.  LINkrotherham is keen to ensure that this does happen.  LINkrotherham is also keen to establish the criteria set for people to receive personalisation and ensure that people do not "slip through the gaps". 
 
Cancer Patients
There is no Ear, Nose and Throat ward at Rotherham Hospital.  Therefore cancer sufferers who need this surgery normally go to Doncaster or Chesterfield for surgery.  Problems are experienced when the patient is ready for discharge but needs support at home or a care plan.  If this is the case then the patient has to be transferred and admitted to Rotherham Hospital before the assessment can be carried out.  LINkrotherham will be investigating why this happens and putting together a pathway.  We are aware that this is not a problem unique to this area but have concentrated on a specific area initially as a pilot.
 
Dementia Care Homes
To determine if people with Dementia being cared for in Residential Homes receive the help and support they need.  How personalised is the service? Is personal pride and dignity properly accommodated? For example, are residents allowed to finish a meal in their own time or take pride in their personal appearance i.e. have a shave or put on make up?
 
Tassibee - Health Event
As part of the ongoing work at Tassibee a health awareness session will be held on 25th February 2010.  Representatives from NHS Rotherham will be attending to give information on Choose and Book, complaints procedures, how cultural differences are accommodated and various other services.  This is an open meeting but is for women only.
 
Tassibee - Social Care Event
As part of the ongoing work at Tassibee a social care awareness session will be held, date to be confirmed.  Representatives from RMBC will be attending to give informaiton on various services provided by the council.  This is an open meeting but is for women only.