Kingston’s new independent health watchdog is still seeking a chairman and board of directors – after just one person applied for the job.

More than a month after taking control of the newly-established Healthwatch Kingston, contractor Parkwood Healthcare is still looking for someone to take charge of the body, which provides a platform for residents to have a say on healthcare issues.

After advertising for the unpaid roles at the beginning of April, including a small recruitment notice in this newspaper, Parkwood received just one response – from someone in Wandsworth.

Now operations manager Tim Hayward-Smith said it was crucial people were found in order for Healthwatch to move forward.

He said: “In the end we had a response from somebody who lived in Wandsworth, which we did not think was appropriate.

“We cannot operate as a legal entity without the board in place – it is crucial and urgent we get a chairman and a board.

“These things do happen, but we do not take it as a sign that people are not interested. We are pretty optimistic that we will get a response.”

Mr Hayward-Smith was in Kingston this week for a series of residents’ workshops at the company’s new offices in Siddely House in Canbury Park Road.

And he responded to criticism that Parkwood had failed to engage with the public or members of Healthwatch’s predecessor the Local Involvement Network (Link) before taking over Healthwatch on April 1.

He said: “We did not feel it was right to respond to rumours or complaints from former Link members who we had not met yet.

“We are pleased that we have now established an office with a staff team to take Healthwatch forward and support the board and volunteers.”

Kingston resident Barbara Price, former chairwoman of Link Merton and vice-chairwoman of Link Lambeth said: “I think its par for the course. One of the problems is the tendering process and when the contract was awarded. It can take a long time for that to get set up.

“I’d rather somebody take their time and get it right.”

To apply to be a chairman or director at Kingston Healthwatch, call 020 8974 6629.

For more information visit healthwatchkingstonuponthames.org.uk.