A NEW network for patients to have their say in South Gloucestershire has been launched.

The district’s Local Involvement Network (LINk) will give people the chance to voice their opinions on health facilities and social care services.

The scheme was formally launched at an event at the BAWA centre, in Filton, last week but meetings with patients have been taking place for month.

Bill Flook, chairman of the LINk, said between February and April hundreds of patients had already raised health issues ranging from cervical smear tests to how Asian people are treated in hospital.

He told a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s health scrutiny select committee: "We have had a considerable number of new people coming to talk to us.

"The issues include availability and cost of dental services, transport between Frenchay and Southmeand hospitals and public transport for patients is a big problem.

"We have also had complaints from people about dirty toilets at Frenchay Hospital and the provision of wheelchairs."

Development worker Sarah Booker said: "This is South Gloucestershire’s chance to have a real say in their health and social care services.

"And to get involved in a network and forum where their views can be heard by the people who are responsible for paying for and providing health and social care services in South Gloucestershire."

The network is a new Government initiative and replaces the former Public and Patient Involvement programme.

It is being run by the Care Forum, based at the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, Bristol, and includes a number of different groups which will focus on different aspects of the health service and social care system.

Meetings are due to be held across the district giving people the chance to raise concerns about any problem.

Added Ms Booker: "The South Gloucestershire LINk works to encourage and support more people to get involved in shaping local health and care services, from helping to decide what services should be commissioned to influencing how they are run.

"It also approaches all relevant sections of the community for their views and experiences of local health and care services, provides the community with mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing local care services."

The LINk also has the power to hold the NHS and other health providers to account and scrutinise services.

A steering group meeting takes place at the Kingswood Foundation café on Wednesday, June 3 (7-9pm), a choice and control meeting for independent living is being held on Thursday, June 4 (2-4pm) and the health services group takes place on Monday, June 29 (10am-2pm venue to be confirmed).

For more information visit www.linksouthglos.org.uk