The work plan project topics identified in 2009/10 were dementia services across Staffordshire, stroke services across Staffordshire and Acute Services across Staffordshire but with an initial focus on the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.  Work is ongoing in respect of these projects as follows:

Dementia Services

Following the tender process for a small research project to identify the key issues in respect of dementia services in Staffordshire, two LINk participants who had expressed an interest in joining the workgroups at an event held on 26^th January 2010, were invited to be part of the assessment and selection panel, using an assessment tool, to assess the applications received and award the tender contract.  Helen Kara and Debs Sambor of Mercian Research Associates and We Research It Ltd were awarded the contract for the this project which commenced on the 15^th March and will be completed by the end of April 2010.  A Dementia Workshop took place on Tuesday 18^th May 2010 where Helen and Debs presented their research findings to LINk participants and discuss the way forward for identifying the priorities for this project and developing a project plan.  The research report and summary are available to view and download here: Research report, Summary and Recommendations

Stroke Services

Following the tender process for a small research project to identify the key issues in respect of stroke services in Staffordshire, two LINk participants who had expressed an interest in joining the workgroups at an event held on 26^th January 2010, were invited to be part of the assessment and selection panel, using an assessment tool, to assess the applications received and award the tender contract.  Lesley Pattenson and associates were awarded the contract for the stroke project and commenced on 15^th March.  A Stroke Workshop took place on Wednesday 19^th May 2010 where Lesley presented her very comprehensive findings and report to LINk participants in order that they could discuss the findings and the way forward for identifying the priorities for this project and developing a project plan.   It was agreed that a second workshop would take place towards the end of June in order to move the project forward.  The final report is available to view and download here.

Acute Services

A piece of work has been undertaken in collaboration with CQC who are undertaking a 12 month review of Stafford Hospital.  LINk participants were approached to undertake a survey of patient experiences at the hospital from January to March this year.  Several LINk participants volunteered to help with the surveys and the responses received have been good.  The responses will be analysed and the findings presented to a workshop which will be arranged.