Plans for new sexual health commissioning framework announced

The government has outlined plans to develop a new and improved national framework for HIV, sexual and reproductive health service commissioning in England.

Announced by Public Health England in collaboration with the Local Government Association and NHS England, the framework aims to enhance sexual and reproductive health, reduce sexually-transmitted infections and ensure optimal outcomes for people with HIV.

The framework will be available in summer 2014 and will describe working relationships between local government, NHS England and clinical commissioning groups, while providing the evidence base for a system-wide approach.

It will also illustrate models of existing and emerging practice to deliver best outcomes, produce relevant and practical tools, and demonstrate ways of working that would help to support continued modernisation and integration.

Professor Jane Anderson of Public Health England said: "In this new landscape, meticulous partnership working will be required to develop and maintain high quality services, delivered via seamless, integrated care pathways."

This will help the government to achieve long-term goals established last year to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, prevent the spread of HIV and offer better access to sexual health services.