Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help Sustainable Transformation Partnerships and Integrated Care Systems (a) integrate and (b) improve mental health services for patients with HIV.

As set out in the NHS England roadmap, specialised human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inpatient and outpatient services have been identified as key areas for greater integrated care systems (ICS) leadership by NHS England and integrated care boards (ICBs). Integrating the commissioning of HIV treatment services with ICBs, will allow local systems to simplify and strengthen HIV care pathways with other services through effective local partnerships, including psychosocial support and mental health services, for a more holistic approach to care.

The national service specification for adult HIV services is also currently under review and development by a specification working group, with the oversight of the HIV Clinical Reference Group. The specification working group will ensure that the revised specification reflects any changes in practice since 2013, ensures close working with other relevant services, and is fit for purpose in the new commissioning landscape.

The HIV Action Plan Implementation Steering Group meeting on the 16 January will also focus on implementation and coordination at local and subregional level to support a stronger HIV response. This will include consideration of ways in which Sustainable and transformation partnerships and ICS can support a more robust HIV response, including strengthening links with other services such as mental health services.