President's Blog - Dr Cara Saxon - February 2026

16 February 2026 (Last updated: 16 Feb 2026 12:00)

As I write my first blog as BASHH President, I want to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to my predecessor, Professor Matt Phillips, whose dedication, warmth and strong leadership have guided BASHH through a period of significant progress.

It is an immense honour to step into this role, and I feel especially proud to do so as a long‑standing BASHH member committed to representing and championing our specialty across all four nations. We are a diverse community, united by a shared purpose: to deliver world‑class sexual health and HIV care for everyone who needs it.

This moment brings genuine opportunity. Across England, the Government’s commitment to develop a new Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Framework and implement the HIV Action Plan provides an important platform for progressive policy change. Meanwhile, May-time elections in Scotland and Wales and ongoing engagement in Northern Ireland present timely windows to seek to influence national priorities, secure renewed political commitment, and advocate for strengthened sexual health and HIV services across the whole of the UK. Progress is encouraging, but inequalities remain stark, and far too many people still face significant barriers to diagnosis and care. Our task now is not only to maintain momentum but to ensure it reaches every community.

My early priorities reflect this reality. We must ensure that proven interventions are properly resourced and equitably expanded so that more people across the UK can access high‑quality, timely care delivered by our outstanding expert workforce. Simultaneously, I am working with Kat (CEO of BASHH) and the team to make sure BASHH effectively supports the professional development of this workforce. We will soon be issuing a unique membership survey – collating views from our members on the things that matter to them. This will directly shape our priorities and strategic goals. Alongside further steps to embed recommendations from the EEDI review, I want BASHH to go from strength to strength, representing the excellence and diversity of our membership as part of this.

Partnership will be essential. BASHH has always been strongest when we learn, reflect and collaborate, and the year ahead provides important opportunities to do exactly that. The Joint BASHH & CoSRH Conference on 25th March will bring together colleagues from across our integrated services to explore how we can strengthen prevention and improve early diagnosis in an increasingly complex landscape. The programme draws on integrated clinical practice, innovation and shared learning, all delivered online. You can book your place via the BASHH website.

Just a month later, from 27th – 29th April, we will join BHIVA in Liverpool for our Joint Conference — a unique moment to connect, share the latest evidence, and reflect on the practical realities of delivering high‑quality sexual health and HIV care across the UK. These events matter not only for professional development but for the collective energy and ambition they inspire. A reminder that early bird registration rates will only be available until Monday 23rd March – more details here.

I am also very much looking forward to the President’s Dinner happening in March — a chance for us to come together, celebrate the work of colleagues, and recognise the partnerships within clinics and between nations that make progress possible. It will also give us space to look ahead with renewed optimism and purpose, acknowledging the challenges we face while embracing the possibilities ahead.

Being part of this community — and now serving as its President — is a privilege I do not take lightly. My inbox remains open, and I want to hear your ideas, your concerns and your ambitions. Please do not hesitate to reach out: president@bashh.org. Our collective voice has always been BASHH’s greatest strength, and I look forward to working with you to ensure it is heard loudly and clearly in the years ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Cara

Dr Cara Saxon

BASHH President