Kat Smithson

1/11 This is a bit of a personal (& long) thread following my experience of #Hyperemesisgravidarum #HG in pregnancy. At 21 wks, for me the worst has passed & was managed at home. But this isn’t the case for all. I wanted to share some thoughts/info... pls read on if interested 🙂

Congratulations to @SharonHodgsonMP on your appointment as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention. BASHH looks forward to working with you to improve sexual health outcomes and to champion the expertise of those working in GUM services.

@AshleyDalton_MP Thank you for your work as minister Ashley. Wishing you all the best @BASHH_UK

I have taken the decision to step down from my ministerial responsibilities to allow me to focus on my job representing you, the people of West Lancashire, while I continue to receive oral chemotherapy treatment. My letter to the PM below 👇

This is a real opportunity to look at sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing as a whole in England. Renewed focus on sexual health much needed and with NHS in period of change, now is the time. Looking forward to working with @AshleyDalton_MP and @DHSCgovuk on this

The BASHH x @BritishHIVAssoc Joint Conference 2026 is open for registration! 👉 Early bird rates available until 23rd March 2026 👉 Full access to scientific sessions, exhibition, networking & more Don’t miss out ➡️ bit.ly/48Db6U7

Today, the Government unveiled the new HIV Action Plan for England, backed by £170 million. This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response. Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️

BASHH responded to the @CommonsWEC’s new report, which highlights alarming rises in HIV diagnoses among women and minority ethnic communities, and warns that sexual health services are “extremely stretched”. Read our full statement on the publication ➡️ bit.ly/4iajaQn

Congrats to the brilliant Dr Cara Saxon who is set to take up the role of @BASHH_UK President in 2026! Cara is such a committed Gen Sec and she’ll take this passion with her into the President role Well done and thank you to all new board and committee members 🥰 #LoveGum

Staff @BASHH_UK are still experiencing email issues and are not receiving emails to any .net email addresses. We're working on it and can continue to pick things up on our website contact form bashh.org/about/contact.…

We’re sorry if you’ve not been able to get in touch with the team by email today and have had a bounce back. We’re working on it, but you can still reach us through our admin inbox and via socials.

BASHH President, Professor Matt Phillips, gave evidence to the @CommonsHealth Committee today. He emphasised the importance of increased service funding and prioritisation, and placing experts at the heart of decision-making to address current challenges and meet future needs ➡️ bit.ly/3L1U4XG

During @KatSmithson attendance at the @CommonsWEC, she discussed the need to consider sexual health within the 10YHP, urging government to act swiftly to reverse current trends. BASHH looks forward to continued collaboration with the government to improve sexual health care.

Congrats to Professor Susan Hopkins 🙌🏻 Susan has championed vital collaboration between @UKHSA and @BASHH_UK and I look forward to continuing to work with her

Starting today, sexual health clinics in England will be able to offer a free vaccine to patients at the highest risk of gonorrhoea. Please read BASHH's full response to the rollout ➡️ bit.ly/4l4DZwp

🆕 World-first gonorrhoea vaccination programme now in sexual health clinics in England to protect thousands A free vaccine can be offered to those at highest risk, including gay and bisexual men with a recent history of multiple sexual partners, saving the NHS over £7.9 million.

🚨 Join BASHH as the new Executive Assistant (Governance Officer) This is a great opportunity to work at the heart of BASHH, supporting the President, CEO, Officers and members to deliver high-quality governance and member services. 🔗 Apply now: bit.ly/40i3yCN

🚨 We're hiring! 🚨 BASHH is seeking a full-time Training & Membership Officer. 📍 Permanent role 📅 Applications close: 30 July 💻 Interviews: 7 Aug (online) Learn more and apply now ➡️ bit.ly/44BFUCn

Our website is currently down - but don't worry, we're on it! We're working behind the scenes to get things back up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for bearing with us.

As an organisation committed to inclusive sexual health and HIV care, we are deeply concerned about the EHRC draft guidelines and the implications it could have for trans people accessing services. Read the joint-sector statement here: bit.ly/3GpDEX1

#BASHH2025 features a preview of findings from our recent #EEDI review, reporting soon! Melvina Woode Owusu and Purple Pen team have worked hard with BASHH and we want to thank them, our amazing advisory group, and all members who participated and who have engaged at conference

Lots of buzz about the MDT case studies session at #BASHH2025 yesterday. @libokecha demonstrated the depth of skills needed in GUM and how central the services are in safeguarding through identifying and acting on possible abuse “We are the experts - Go with your instincts.”