Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he will take steps to include stakeholder consultation on the protection of patient confidentiality in any plans to review the status of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Directions 2000.

We are currently developing updated advice and guidance on confidentiality for information and data sharing by sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. This includes reviewing the specific legislation in the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Directions 2000. Stakeholders have been consulted on initial proposals and this engagement will continue as guidance is finalised.