What are we Doing?

Since our Launch Event on the 19th March 2009 Darlington LINk has a core group who will be looking to improve local Health and Social Care Services. There are several issues currently on our our work

plan. To view the work plan go into downloads and then other.

Current Work

Stroke Services

Darlington and County Durham LINk  have formed a working a working task group to look at stroke services. Both Darlington and Durham LINks met in November for a update from NHS about the stroke strategy and the implementation of the strategy process. Following the implementation of 'seizing he future' many improvemets have been made giving Darlington and Durham beds dedicated acute care for stroke patients and Bishop Auckland having a dedicated rehabilitation unit. It was agreed by members present at the meetng that the system seem to be working well although Durham LINK brought up issues that concerned their geographical area. Due to this it was agreed at the meeting that Darlington and Durham would look at stroke services that affected their individual area. 

Darlington LINk met again in December to decide on their next steps with regards to stroke service and the after care. A letter has been sent requesting informaton about services and progress on quality makers.

Following recent articles in the press suggesting the stroke unit will be closing in Darlington, the host and members of the core group attended  meeting with Overview ad Scrutiny where they were assured there were no imminent plans to close the stroke unit in Darlington.

A further task group meeting has been set up to move forward and decide the next steps to take.

GP Surgeries

There have been some concerns about the administrative differences between GP surgeries in

Darlington. People are experiencing difficulties in getting prescription and appointments in some

surgeries whilst other patients are experiencing excellent service.

Darlington LINk have requested information about policies and procedures for working with patients

with learning disabilities, from the 11 GP's in Darlington.

The group have continued to gather information and from the additional information gathered at our event in October the group feel they are now able to compile a list of recommendations. The draft report will be compiled by the middle of February. Once this is complete the information will be presented to the core group and a decision will be made as to what recommendations are to be taken forward or if further information is required.

Communications

A group of commited volunteers have formed a communications task group who meet every fortnight to review invitations to events and discuss ideas to promote Darlington LINk.

Care Homes

Darlington LINk has had some concernes raised about care homes and are in the process of gathering information. They would like to know your experience or the experience of someone you know, good or bad. Have you or a friend or relative recently visited a care home? To tell us about it please contact the LINk office now with your story.