It was not possible to gain the direct views of people who use the service on this occasion as the assessment was conducted remotely. However a range of information was obtained that demonstrated how the provider ensures people who use services are involved in decisions about services and how their views are obtained. Submissions from the Sheffield LiNK (local involvement network) demonstrated how the provider has worked with and involved LiNK participants in influencing the city wide strategy for improving mental health services in Sheffield. For example, the LiNK participants work on recovery wards had been fed back to managers and staff, leading to changes in care in respect of service users' sexuality, spirituality and problems with social interaction. The LiNK has been involved in the quality reporting process with the provider and stated 'we are pleased with how we have been engaged in this and we will possibly be doing some joint enter and view visits.' The provider included some views of people who use services who had fed back comments as part of its last complainants survey, for example, one comment stated, 'I like the face to face contact. I felt they understood our concerns and did their best to address them'.A 'family carer's consultation' event was held on 30 July 2010 which was attended by 19 people who use the service. Likes of the current location included 'walk in shower', 'staff are friends', 'cosy atmosphere' and 'domestic style'. Some dislikes included, 'bedrooms too small', 'appearance', and 'no privacy in bedrooms'. A number of likes were set out in relation to the new building. In relation to the proposed new building to replace the existing three respite locations people who use services said they wanted 'a small homely building like Warminster Road or Longley' and they had expressed they wanted the 'same staff'.
Other comments from the Rutland Road comments book included:
'I like coming to Rutland Road and I like all the staff';
'I would like to work at Rutland Road';
'I had a lovely time on the bus with G when she took me out for coffee';
'J liked the new shower at respite'.