Kingston Council has reappointed three advisory members to its Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel for the duration of the current council term, from 2026 to 2030. The appointed members are Kathryn Yates, Chair of Healthwatch Kingston; David Still, Deputy CEO of Kingston Carers' Network; and Dr Jane D'Souza, a GP Advisory Member.

The appointments were confirmed during a Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting held on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The panel holds significant responsibilities, tasked with reviewing and scrutinising any matter relating to the planning, provision, and operation of health services commissioned or delivered within the authority's area. They have the power to make reports and recommendations to the Council, Health and Wellbeing Board, strategic committees, health bodies, and other relevant agencies and service providers.

Key health priorities facing Kingston that this panel will be scrutinising include the significant upcoming changes to the Mental Health Act 2025 and the Mental Capacity Act. Discussions at the meeting focused on how these legislative reforms will impact local services and residents, with a particular emphasis on patient rights, detention criteria, and the evolving definition of deprivation of liberty.

Timeline illustrating the phased implementation of reforms to the Mental Health Act.
Timeline illustrating the phased implementation of reforms to the Mental Health Act, including drafting the Code of Practice, public consultation, workforce training, and the commencement of major reforms.

The panel's remit also extends to reviewing arrangements made by NHS bodies for hospital and community health services, family health services, public health, and the planning of health services. They will also examine the plans and strategies of the local Health and Wellbeing Board and arrangements for consulting and involving patients and the public. Furthermore, the panel can review any matter referred by Healthwatch Kingston, an organisation represented by Kathryn Yates. Healthwatch Kingston plays a role in bringing issues to the panel's attention under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

A cyclical diagram illustrating the process of mental health treatment.
A cyclical diagram illustrating the process of mental health treatment, from ongoing community support through crisis, assessment for detention, inpatient stay, challenging detention, discharge, community treatment orders, and aftercare.

David Still, Deputy CEO of Kingston Carers' Network, was also reappointed. The Kingston Carers' Network is a community group that the Trust engages with regarding upcoming changes to the Mental Health Act, suggesting their role in representing and supporting carers in relation to local health services.

Dr. Jane D'Souza, reappointed as a GP Advisory Member, brings a primary care perspective to the panel's discussions on health services. The panel may also act as a consultee to NHS bodies regarding proposals for substantial development or variation of health services in the authority's area.

More information can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet for the meeting.