The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss several key healthcare matters affecting Kent and Medway. These include updates on ambulance service collaboration, mental health trust performance, and proposed integrations between healthcare providers.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) Group Model Collaboration

The committee is set to receive an update on the 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 a group model, with a formal announcement made in October 2025 regarding the intention to form the South Central and South East Ambulance Group. This initiative is described as a proactive move to strengthen patient care, ensure sustainable services, and build a more resilient ambulance system across the region. The transition is planned to occur in phases between late 2025 and 2027.

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust CQC Response Update

An update will be provided on the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust's response to reports published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in March 2025. The CQC reports covered community mental health services for all-age adults and working people, as well as crisis mental health care and Places of Safety. Both services received an overall rating of 'Requires Improvement'. The report pack indicates that the Trust fully accepted the findings of the CQC and is working to address concerns, particularly regarding safety. A Healthwatch Kent report from October 2025, which gathered feedback from service users, also highlighted issues, with a significant proportion of feedback about community mental health teams and Mental Health Together being negative.

Proposed Integration between Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and Medway Community Healthcare (MCH)

The committee will consider the proposed integration between Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and Medway Community Healthcare CIC (MCH). In July 2025, the two organisations announced they were exploring the potential benefits of working more closely, with a preferred option of MCH's staff and services transferring to KCHFT. A full business case is now being progressed, with integration expected to be completed by 1 October 2026. The rationale for this integration includes addressing rapidly increasing demand and complexity, significant health inequalities, small specialist teams with recruitment and retention challenges, and significant financial challenges. The expected benefits include better care and outcomes, a more resilient workforce, innovation, and financial efficiencies.

Work Programme

The committee will also review its proposed work programme for 2026. This programme is compiled from actions arising from previous meetings and topics identified by committee members and healthcare providers. The committee is responsible for setting its own work programme, taking into account requests from commissioners and providers, and referrals from Healthwatch. Items proposed for upcoming meetings include a review of the proposed reconfiguration of stroke services in East Kent, the 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 and SCAS collaboration, the KCHFT and MCH integration, and the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust CQC response.