President’s Blog – Dr Cara Saxon – March 2026
12 March 2026
(Last updated: 13 Mar 2026 11:48)
As we move through March, I am pleased to share several important developments from across BASHH and the wider sexual health community. This month brings not only key organisational updates, but also meaningful opportunities to influence national policy, celebrate shared achievements, and connect through our expanding programme of events.
Concerns Raised with the Public Health Wales ‘Test and Post’ Online STI testing service
BASHH, the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH) and Terrence Higgins Trust have raised urgent concerns after Public Health Wales (PHW) confirmed serious safeguarding and information governance issues within its online STI testing service. The service is a vital part of Wales’ approach to STI and HIV testing, particularly for rural communities and for efforts to end HIV transmissions by 2030.
We have met with PHW to seek immediate clarity on the issues identified and reassurance that robust short‑term measures are already in place. We have also stressed the importance of clear, timely communication with the public to prevent confusion and ensure that anyone affected can access the advice they need. In addition, we have written to the Chief Medical Officer for Wales calling for a transparent, independent review to understand how these failures occurred and to ensure stronger safeguarding, clinical governance and information governance standards going forward.
Read the PHW statement for more information here.
Improving Scotland’s Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare
BASHH — alongside CoSRH, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the British HIV Association (BHIVA) — has published Improving Scotland’s Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: A Joint Manifesto for the Next Scottish Parliament. The manifesto calls for urgent action across five priority areas to strengthen sexual, reproductive and HIV healthcare in Scotland, in the context of rising demand, increased pressures on services and widening inequalities.
Scotland has made encouraging progress through initiatives such as the Women’s Health Plan and the Sexual and Blood‑Borne Virus Action Plan. However, the system remains under strain, with longer waiting times, significant pressures on gynaecology services and rising STI rates. The manifesto offers a clear, practical roadmap for investment, leadership and reform across integrated SRH care, maternity services, sexual health and HIV, and gynaecology and abortion services. This is an important moment for collaborative advocacy, and I encourage all members to read the manifesto and engage with its recommendations.
Welcoming Sharon Hodgson MP
On the topic of policy engagement, we were pleased to welcome Sharon Hodgson MP to her new role as Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention. BASHH looks forward to working collaboratively with her to champion improved sexual health outcomes and support colleagues across GUM and SRH services. Her appointment offers a timely opportunity to strengthen engagement with government at a moment when demand on sexual health services continues to rise and they embark on developing the new Sexual and Reproductive Health Framework.
Events
We are delighted to invite colleagues to the Joint BASHH & CoSRH Conference, taking place online on 25 March. This event champions collaboration, with a dedicated focus on strengthening prevention and advancing early diagnosis across integrated sexual health and reproductive services. The final programme includes sessions on the new UKMEC, injectable PrEP, vaccines and improving pain management for coils. Booking is now open via the BASHH website.
Looking ahead, the Joint BASHH & BHIVA Conference in Liverpool will be held from 27 – 29 April. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers, share evidence and reflect on best practice in delivering high‑quality sexual health and HIV care across the UK. We are delighted to have received over 500 abstracts, demonstrating the depth, quality and momentum of research and innovation across the field. Early bird registration rates are available until Monday 23 March. Find out more and secure your place.
Planning is also underway for the STASHH Conference this summer –a valued opportunity for trainees to present their work, exchange learning, and build connections across the specialty. Further details will follow!
BASHH Member Survey 2026
Finally, I am delighted to announce the launch of the BASHH Member Survey 2026, a central component of our strategic planning for the years ahead. Your insights will directly inform our organisational priorities, ensuring that BASHH’s work reflects the realities, pressures and ambitions of our diverse membership.
This is a comprehensive survey, which we estimate will take around 20 minutes to complete. There is an opportunity to enter a prize draw at the end where three people will receive £100. It is open until 27 March 2026. While no single survey can capture everything, this will be the first in a planned series of engagement exercises throughout the year. Please do make use of the open‑text boxes — your expertise and experience are invaluable. Thank you in advance for taking the time to participate, and for your continued commitment to BASHH.
Please continue to also share your views, ideas and concerns. As always, you can reach me directly at president@bashh.org.
With warmest wishes,
Cara
Dr Cara Saxon
BASHH President