David is now appointed as Chairman of the Newcastle under Lyme Health Scrutiny Committee, and as Newcastle’s representative on the Staffordshire Health Scrutiny Committee.

Staffordshire is the statutory Health Scrutiny Committee but the Newcastle has an important role in monitoring specific local issues.

As Chairman of the Newcastle Committee David is looking at ways of improving consultation. A major consultation on the future of mental health services is due soon.

With the opening of a new hospital and major changes due in the NHS scrutiny of the service in North Staffordshire has never had such an important role.