The way health services in Merton are delivered has changed after the introduction of a body called Healthwatch.

The new system, which came into effect on April 1, means councils with have more responsibility with regard to health and adult social care.

Healthwatch Merton replaces the former Link (Local Information Network) Merton service and will give patients and residents a greater say on how services are received, shaped and delivered.

It will mainly be responsible for providing information and advice about Merton’s health and social care services.

Healthwatch will also allow people to make recommendations about how those services could or should be improved and enforce greater scrutiny by advising the Care Quality Commission to carry out investigations where necessary.

Merton Council, according to director of community and housing Simon Williams, decided to go through a “procurement exercise” to find the strongest candidate to manage the service in the borough.

Merton Voluntary Service Council, which supports the voluntary and community sector in Merton, secured the tender after a two-month consultation period.

Mr Williams said the changes will be a “very positive” move for Merton residents.

He said: “Healthwatch’s responsibility is to represent NHS patients and residents as consumers of healthcare and adult services.

“The chair of Healthwatch also has a seat on the local Health and Wellbeing board where the NHS and volunteer sector come together to make decisions.”