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The Adults’ Services Select Committee has raised concerns over proposals for a Local Involvement Network (LINk) for West Sussex.

Government legislation means the current Patient and Public Involvement Forums will be replaced by LINks, which will be a network of voluntary organisations, community groups and interested individuals to represent the views of patients and the public on healthcare and social care issues.

The LINk will ensure local communities can monitor service provision, influence key decisions and have a stronger voice in the process of commissioning health and social care.

The Committee received an update on the formation of a West Sussex LINk at its meeting on Tuesday June 17, at County Hall, in Chichester.

Committee Chairman Irene Richards said: “The Committee had some concerns over the establishment of a LINk, mainly in clarifying its role to the public as there could be some confusion over who does what and it was keen to avoid duplication.

“We were anxious to ensure that funding for the LINk is used directly for the good of the community and not caught up in the administrative side of things, such as towards phone lines.

“We also want assurances that the LINk is fully representative of the community and has lots of public engagement, so it is not just a handful of organisations.”

Three organisations have been shortlisted to be the host for the LINk (responsible for setting up and supporting the LINk). An assessment panel, including representatives from West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Primary Care Trust, will evaluate the bids and award the contract in mid-July.