President’s Blog – Dr Cara Saxon – June 2026
18 June 2026
(Last updated: 20 Jun 2026 13:59)
Summer is now nearly underway, bringing a welcome stretch of longer, brighter days. So, what better time to take a moment to reflect on another busy month across the world of BASHH.
Pride Month 2026
June of course marks Pride Month, an important time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and for BASHH to reflect on the role sexual health services play in supporting inclusive and equitable care. I’m sure many of you will be undertaking your own celebrations in the coming weeks and it brings me great joy to know that BASHH is a committed partner in working to uphold the values and aspirations that Pride embodies. I wish everyone a happy and healthy Pride.
UKHSA Annual STI Data
We have recently seen the publication of UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) annual STI data release for England. While the data provided some moments of encouragement – including a continuing fall in diagnoses of syphilis among gay and bisexual men, now at their lowest level in a decade – it clearly also reinforces the complexity of the challenges that BASHH members face on a daily basis.
As outlined in BASHH’s statement of response, maintaining progress will require continued emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to care. This must include ensuring that all services are properly supported to deliver our expanding range of STI prevention tools, and respond effectively to changing patterns of infection.
As part of this, I wanted to extend my thanks to Dr Hamish Mohammed and Dr Helen Fifer from the UKHSA for speaking with members on the latest STI data and trends at BASHH Bitesize last week. If, like me, you weren’t able to attend the live session (due to a school play clash on this occasion!) you can always catch up on BASHH Bitesize by registering for the event (even after the date has passed) on our Events page.
Engagement with the Sexual and Reproductive Health Framework for England
In May, I attended a ministerial round table on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Framework for England alongside Kat Smithson, hosted by Minister Hodgson and Baroness Merron. The roundtable marked the beginning of collective discussions around the planned approach for the Framework. We highlighted the key role BASHH and our members play in education, training, and the development of nationally and internationally recognised clinical guidelines and standards. We emphasised this work is delivered largely through the voluntary contribution of our members, and is supported primarily through member fees, rather than direct government or NHS funding, and how this plays a central role in maintaining high standards of care and supporting population health across the UK.
During discussions and in follow-up communication we began highlighting key areas for consideration including (but not limited to) recognition of professional bodies like BASHH and other relevant professional societies as integral partners in shaping both the strategic direction and practical framework for actions; engagement with and support for BASHH to continue addressing workforce challenges (including highlighting the risk that ongoing workforce pressures may limit the capacity of clinicians to contribute to critical work of BASHH mentioned above); recognition that women’s health must include access to specialist genitourinary medicine expertise; and developing clear accountability mechanisms to ensure that current and future service specification are being consistently interpreted or implemented.
We are in the process of discussing next steps, including how we can ensure members voices and views are heard and can help influence the development of the framework. So please keep your eyes peeled for more on this in coming weeks and months.
Sexual Health System Oversight Group
Many of you will have also seen recent BASHH communication seeking expressions of interest for a newly established BASHH Sexual Health System Oversight Group. As a recap, the group, which is being led by my fantastic predecessor Professor Matt Phillips, is being established as a key outcome of a BASHH Extraordinary General Meeting which explored the systemic factors contributing to the deterioration of sexual health outcomes across the UK. Both Matt and I anticipate the group playing an important strategic role in supporting BASHH’s work to address fragmentation in sexual health service design and commissioning across the whole of the UK.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who registered interest in the group and I look forward to seeing the important programme of work that it will help to take forward. Watch this space for updates!
BASHH Annual Conference 2027
Finally, and while I’m sure it still feels some way off, it’s also great to see early momentum building around the BASHH Annual Conference 2027 that will excitingly be held in Blackpool. As you will know, our annual conference remains a cornerstone for bringing the community together – a space to share research, showcase innovation, and strengthen the connections that make BASHH such an amazing family to be part of. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements and opportunities to get involved in the weeks and months ahead.
As always, get in touch if you have any questions or feedback (president@bashh.net), otherwise, I hope everyone is able to find moments to unwind and enjoy the summer months…
With warmest wishes,
Cara
Dr Cara Saxon
BASHH President