Inspection powers for service users

Service users are to gain powers to inspect social care premises after the idea was backed in a consultation on user scrutiny of health and social care services.

The government said this week that following a consultation on its plans for user involvement, its proposed Local Involvement Networks (LINks) would be given the power to enter premises.

Details on which premises they would be allowed to enter are still being finalised. However, the Department of Health said that it would not cover all social care services, with facilities providing children’s services excluded.

Almost 500 people responded to the consultation on LINks, which  would replace existing patientforums and involve users in the scrutiny of both health and social care.

● Creating a Stronger Local Voice