ONE of four free events across Devon to promote new government proposals for health and social care will take place in Okehampton next week.

LINk Devon is hosting the events across the county to discuss the new Government proposals for HealthWatch, the new consumer champion for health and social care.

Local HealthWatch organisations will replace Local Involvement Networks (LINks) in April 2013 and are part of the Government's new health reforms.

They will undertake all the current LINk functions regarding patient and public involvement and enabling people to have their say about their local services, but will also include new functions such as providing NHS complaints advocacy and information and choice.

The events will include presentations about HealthWatch plans from the Department of Health, and Devon County Council will update on the progress so far. There will be an opportunity to participate in discussions to find out your views, and to discuss how the service will work in Devon. 

The Okehampton event will take place on Friday January 27, at the Charter Hall.  It runs from 10am to 1pm. Refreshments will be available. Places are limited. To attend, contact the LINk office on 01404 549045 or email [email protected]">[email protected]