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The latest information about the NHS changes in England as they take place

In order to understand this fully, please view this presentation which explains the changes in more detail.

Primary Care Trust clusters

To support the changes, Primary Care Trusts are now working with neighbouring Primary Care Trusts as clusters. Find the details which PCT cluster your forum is in so you can make sure you are included in their consultations.

User Involvement – LINks and HealthWatch

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) support local people to influence health services. LINks are in the process of becoming a new organisation called HealthWatch, which will have a stronger role to support public and patient involvement. HealthWatch ‘pathfinders’ are already set up in 75 areas and there will be a local HealthWatch in every local authority area by April 2013.

Make sure your forum is registered with your local LINk or HealthWatch, so you get the opportunity to respond to any of their consultations on services which might affect you.

• Find out contact details for your Local Involvement Network at www.nhs.uk.
• Find out if there is a HealthWatch pathfinder established yet in your area and how to contact them here.

Any Qualified Providers (AQPs) - wheelchair and continence services.

With 'Any Qualified Provider', patients have the option to go to different organisations for NHS treatment. For example, in some areas people can choose to go for NHS hearing test at their local opticians, instead of the local hospital. Over the next few months, continence (adult and children) and wheelchair services will be provided through 'Any Qualified Provider' in certain areas. Parent forums will want to be involved in how this is developed, to make sure the service provided by outside contractors will meet their needs.

• Read more about Any Qualified Provider
• See if your local area is affected by this here.
• Find useful information to support commissioning of effective wheelchair and continence services here