MPs urge government to fix ‘fragmented’ sexual health system

The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has written to pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock, calling for a national sexual health strategy to tackle what it describes as an ‘overlooked and undervalued’ part of the NHS.

In a letter published following a recent evidence session, MPs urged the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to produce a long-awaited cross-cutting plan to unify HIV, women’s health and LGBT+ services, and end the confusion caused by fragmented commissioning across NHS England, integrated care boards and local authorities.

Despite repeated calls since 2019, no national sexual health strategy has been published since 2013.

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The letter pointed to long waiting times, postcode lotteries for postal test kits, and a lack of discretion for patients using home delivery.

The committee cited evidence that a pharmacy-based click-and-collect model for HIV tests had successfully increased uptake among marginalised groups. It suggested that services such as condom distribution could similarly be delivered through pharmacies using QR codes for discreet access.

Layla Moran MP, chair of the committee, said: ‘This government must now take a panoramic view of the confusing landscape of sexual health and reproductive services.

‘It should come up with a comprehensive strategy to take the anxiety out of accessing care, and make sure services are patient-centred and sustainably resourced.’

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On data, the MPs warned that chemsex-related harms are under-reported, particularly outside major cities. They called for improved data collection across A&E departments and coroner services, and for closer coordination between sexual health, mental health and substance misuse services.

The committee also urged the DHSC to commission a new public education campaign to combat stigma and misinformation – especially among young people who are increasingly turning to social media for sexual health information.

A response from the DHSC is expected by 3 December.

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As of last week, almost 10,000 pharmacies across England began providing emergency contraception – also known as the morning after pill – on the NHS.

The move has been described as a ‘game changer’ in making reproductive healthcare more easily accessible for women and as a ‘natural step’ for pharmacies.