DEVON'S Local Involvement Network Devon is an independent network of over 1,000 individuals and organisations with an interest in improving health and social care services across Devon.

The LINk replaced Public and Patient Involvement in Health Forums in Devon in April 2008. We are one of 150 statutory networks in the UK which enables local people to have a say on local health and care services and improve these services throughout the county.

The recently published white paper- Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, has spelt out far reaching plans that are being heralded as the most radical since 1948. This combined with forthcoming cuts in front- line services means that it is has never been so important for people in Devon to comment about their services and uphold the democratic process of public services reflecting the communities they serve.

The LINk is currently monitoring services for patients leaving hospital, following a high level of comments received about this some have said that they wanted to know more about leaving hospital, others thought they were asked to go home before they felt ready.  We would like to hear from as many people as possible, who have had a recent experience of being discharged, either as a patient or patient's carer.

LINk Devon will be collecting people's views and case studies and reporting findings to NHS Devon, local NHS Acute Trusts and Devon County Council, outlining findings and making suggestions for improvements before November 19.

If any of your readers have been an inpatient at any of Devon's hospitals within the last year, I urge them to take a few minutes and share their thoughts either via your outlet or by contacting the LINk.

Individual details will be treated as confidential and all feedback will be used to enable LINk Devon to have an influence on future services. Visit [email protected]&quot">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]&quot">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected] to give your views on-line, call 01404 549045 or write to FREEPOST RRXT-TRSC-YRLC, LINk Devon, Ridgeway House, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1DT.

George-Alfred Husband LINk Devon's Chair