Getting involved
Here are some of the ways the PCT involves service users, carers and the wider community:
- Service user groups
- Patient surveys
- Focus groups
- Comment cards
- Public consultations
- Lay representation on PCT groups and committees
- User representation on partnership boards
- Service roadshows
- Public meetings
Interest groups
Local Involvement Networks or LINks give local people the chance to tell us how services could be improved.
We have two LINks in Bedfordshire to support people to have their say and influence local health and social care service. One is based in Bedford Borough and one for Central Bedfordshire.
LINks members sit of health planning groups, they monitor services and have the power to hold services to account. Nationally, LINks have already reduced waiting times and improved access to services.
Please find the contact details for both LINks below:
Bedford Borough LINk
Tel: 01234 365510
Email: bedlink@googlemail.com
Website: www.bedfordlink.org.uk
Bedfordshire LINk (Central Bedfordshire area)
Tel: 01582 733418
Email: charlotte.bonser@valuton.org.uk
Website: www.bedfordshirelink.org.uk
PCT Health Panel
The PCT is keen to increase opportunities for wider public involvement and has established a Health Panel, which it consults with from time to time on a wide range of health issues.
Anyone aged over 16 who lives in Bedfordshire PCT area (the county of Bedfordshire excluding Luton) can join the Health Panel. In joining, you can state which areas of health you are particularly interested in and how you would like to be consulted or involved, ranging from completing occasional postal questionnaires or joining focus groups to applying to become a lay representative on a PCT group or committee. Members receive PCT newsletters and updates about our activities.
Your views are made anonymous and your details are kept strictly confidential and not used for any other purpose in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
'New members are always welcome to join the panel. You can download the application form to complete and return to our Freepost address or email David Levitt for more information
Specific interest groups
Diversity Forum
Bedfordshire Diversity Forum is a local charity, which aims to improve the health and social care of diverse communities.
It provides a voice for all the diverse communities of Bedfordshire to enable them to challenge the inequalities in health and social care. It identifies and consults on health needs of these diverse communities and raises awareness about health and social services and how to access them.
For more information contact Anjum Gray, Forum Chair on 01234 888820.
Add your group
'If you would like details of an interest group published here, please email the details to David Levitt.