A chairman or woman for Kingston’s new leaderless health watchdog has finally been found – but only if they accept the job.

More than three months after its launch, Healthwatch Kingston has confirmed a suitable applicant has been identified to take charge of the body.

The organisation, which is now run by a private firm, aims to provide a platform for residents to have a say on healthcare issues within the borough.

But for three months the fledgling organisation has had no independent members able to speak out about major changes in the NHS - only paid employees.

The major changes include the handing over of spending decisions to GPs, more progress on the downgrading of A+Es and maternity units across south west London, the Surbiton Health Centre fiascos over phone systems.

The unnamed person has yet to confirm whether or not they still want the unpaid role.

A spokeswoman for Healthwatch Kingston said: “We have offered the position to someone a few days ago and we are waiting for them to get back to us.”

Healthwatch Kingston was re-launched on April 1 by contractor Parkwood Healthcare, which won a contract from Kingston Council in February.

But it was criticised for not speaking to the volunteer board of the previous organisation - Kingston Local Involvement Network (Link).

After receiving just one application for the chairman role, Parkwood operations manager Tim Heywood-Smith launched a fresh appeal for someone to come forward in May.

To apply for a position at Kingston Healthwatch, call 020 8974 6629.