The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Kent Council met on Wednesday, 4th February 2026, to discuss several key issues affecting local health services. The committee received updates on the proposed integration of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and Medway Community Healthcare (MCH), the ongoing collaboration between South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS), and the response from Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust to recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) findings. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Update on Group Model Collaboration

The committee received an update on the proposed group model collaboration between the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS). This collaboration, which began exploring options in November 2024, aims to create the South Central and South East Ambulance Group. The phased transition is scheduled to take place from late 2025 through to 2027. The stated aims of this collaboration are to strengthen patient care, ensure sustainable services, and build a more resilient ambulance system across the region by sharing expertise and resources, harnessing innovation, and investing in improvements. Both trusts will continue to operate independently while collaborating on key priorities such as digital innovation, clinical best practice, and workforce development. A shared leadership model, with a single Chief Executive and Chair, will be introduced to strengthen alignment and ensure shared priorities are delivered effectively. This initiative is supported by NHS England (South East) and aligns with the NHS 10 Year Plan.

Proposed Integration between Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and Medway Community Healthcare

The committee was presented with an update on the proposed integration of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and Medway Community Healthcare CIC (MCH). The two organisations announced in July 2025 that they were exploring closer collaboration, with the preferred option being to integrate as one organisation, with MCH's staff and services transferring to KCHFT. A strategic outline case was submitted to NHS England, and following feedback, a full business case is now being developed, with integration anticipated by 1 October 2026. The primary drivers for this integration include rapidly increasing demand and complexity of care, significant health inequalities across communities, recruitment and retention challenges for small specialist teams, and pressing financial challenges within the Kent and Medway system. Expected benefits include better care and outcomes, a more resilient workforce, innovation, and financial and operational efficiencies. Potential risks identified include cultural integration challenges, potential service disruption, workforce retention issues, and the alignment of digital and data systems. Engagement with staff, patients, and partners has been ongoing, with the majority of partners broadly supportive in principle.

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust CQC Response Update

Dr Adrian Richardson, Director of Transformation and Partnerships at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, provided an update on the Trust's response to inspection reports from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and feedback from Healthwatch Kent. Following inspections in March 2025, the CQC rated both community mental health services for all-age adults and working people, and crisis mental health care and Place Based Places of Safety, as 'Requires Improvement'. The Healthwatch report, published in October 2025, highlighted significant negative feedback regarding community mental health teams and Mental Health Together. The Trust has accepted the findings and is working to address concerns, particularly around safety, by implementing a new nationally mandated risk assessment approach. The Trust is also focusing on improving access and waiting times, with a reduction in the overall waiting list for Mental Health Together services. Efforts are underway to improve the environment of care and refresh patient literature for accessibility. In terms of leadership, culture, and governance, the Trust is working to improve mandatory training compliance, although three training programmes remain below the 90% target.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its proposed work programme for 2026. Key items for upcoming meetings include a proposed reconfiguration of stroke services in East Kent, the proposed establishment of a group between Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, and an update on Neighbourhood Health with a focus on provision and access. Items yet to be scheduled include further updates on the SECAmb/SCAS collaboration, the KCHFT/MCH integration, and the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust CQC response. The committee noted that no proposals are currently under scrutiny by the Kent and Medway Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC). A member suggested further engagement with Healthwatch Kent to scrutinise local health and care services that require particular attention based on public feedback.