The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Kingston upon Thames Council was scheduled to discuss the national 10 Year Health Plan and the move towards a Neighbourhood Health model. The panel was also set to receive an update on the Mental Health Act and a verbal update on public health matters within the borough.

The 10 Year Health Plan and Neighbourhood Health

The meeting was scheduled to include an update on the national 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to shift healthcare from hospitals to community-based settings, embrace digital delivery, and focus on prevention rather than sickness. A key element of this plan is the establishment of a new Neighbourhood Health and Care model, to be led by the Health and Wellbeing Board. This model will involve integrated neighbourhood teams comprising health, council, and voluntary sector representatives, and one-stop shop centres offering a range of support.

The report pack indicated that the Health and Wellbeing Board would be responsible for approving neighbourhood health and care plans, and that Kingston is well-positioned for this transition due to existing neighbourhood arrangements and integrated delivery models, such as the Proactive Anticipatory Care Model. The report also highlighted that the national plan includes the abolition of Healthwatch groups by autumn 2026, with their functions likely to be absorbed by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local authorities. The future of Healthwatch Kingston was therefore a point of discussion, with options for continuing scrutiny and engagement including in-house delivery, commissioning a third party, or funding ad-hoc projects.

Verbal Update on the Mental Health Act

The panel was scheduled to receive a verbal update on changes to the Mental Health Act. This item had been deferred from a previous meeting.

Public Health Verbal Update

A verbal update on public health matters within the borough was also on the agenda.

Focus on Carers

A previous meeting of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel, held on 23 October 2025, had considered a detailed report on carers. The report highlighted that approximately 12,000 people in Kingston provided at least one hour of unpaid care per week, with estimates suggesting the true number could be over 37,000. The value of this unpaid care was estimated at £330 million. The report identified several challenges and opportunities, including the impact of caring on carers' health and wellbeing, their financial and employment status, and the need for better recognition and identification of carers. It also discussed system changes, legislative aspects, and the importance of partnership working. The report detailed key support provided in Kingston, including services from the Kingston Carers Network (KCN), Kingston Hospital's Carer Clinical Liaison Service, and support from Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Specific attention was given to young carers, with ongoing work including a No Wrong Door Memorandum of Understanding and resources for schools. The panel had commented on the challenges of identifying carers and suggested using short-form video content to raise awareness. They also emphasised the importance of training for council officers and councillors to help identify residents undertaking caring responsibilities.