Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the appointment of four new council members to the Patient and Client Council (PCC). The new members include three local government representatives and one lay member.

Mrs Charlene Brooks has been appointed as the lay member. Her term commenced on 1 December 2025 and will end no later than 30 November 2029.

Councillors Philip Anderson, Sarah Duffy, and Gael Gildernew have been appointed as local government representatives. The terms for Councillors Duffy and Gildernew commenced on 1 December 2025 and will end no later than 30 November 2029. Councillor Anderson's term started on 15 December 2025 and will end no later than 14 December 2029.

Council member positions carry remuneration of £4,219 per annum and require a time commitment of two days per month. The appointments were made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

The PCC was established under the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (NI) 2009. It aims to ensure the voice of patients, clients, carers, and communities is valued, heard, and acted upon in health and social care policy and services.

The PCC council consists of a chair and 16 council members. These include five members of district councils, five members of voluntary organisations with an interest in health and social care, one trade union member, and five lay members.