Kat Smithson
@kat-smithson.bsky.social
CEO of British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH)
She/her
She/her
It’s our first ever @bashhuk.bsky.social staff Christmas 🥳 …and here we are magically in gingerbread form courtesy of the Gingerbread City exhibit 🥰
Been a big year and feeling so thankful for and proud of this team. Onwards and upwards team BASHH 🎉🎉🎈
Been a big year and feeling so thankful for and proud of this team. Onwards and upwards team BASHH 🎉🎉🎈
December 9, 2025 at 2:50 PM
It’s our first ever @bashhuk.bsky.social staff Christmas 🥳 …and here we are magically in gingerbread form courtesy of the Gingerbread City exhibit 🥰
Been a big year and feeling so thankful for and proud of this team. Onwards and upwards team BASHH 🎉🎉🎈
Been a big year and feeling so thankful for and proud of this team. Onwards and upwards team BASHH 🎉🎉🎈
Brilliant to see recognition here on developing people
Support for recruitment into our incredible specialty of GUM & reference to STI Foundation 🙌🏻
STI Foundation is developed and run by BASHH members. It’s constantly evolving, always excellent and I’m proud to be helping take it even further
Support for recruitment into our incredible specialty of GUM & reference to STI Foundation 🙌🏻
STI Foundation is developed and run by BASHH members. It’s constantly evolving, always excellent and I’m proud to be helping take it even further
BASHH warmly welcomes the publication of the new HIV Action Plan for England and the strong focus on securing the future HIV workforce, including supporting access to specialists in Genitourinary Medicine.
Learn more about our specialty ➡️ bit.ly/3M7DaHC
Learn more about our specialty ➡️ bit.ly/3M7DaHC
December 1, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Brilliant to see recognition here on developing people
Support for recruitment into our incredible specialty of GUM & reference to STI Foundation 🙌🏻
STI Foundation is developed and run by BASHH members. It’s constantly evolving, always excellent and I’m proud to be helping take it even further
Support for recruitment into our incredible specialty of GUM & reference to STI Foundation 🙌🏻
STI Foundation is developed and run by BASHH members. It’s constantly evolving, always excellent and I’m proud to be helping take it even further
Reposted by Kat Smithson
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 ⬇️
This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response.
Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️
December 1, 2025 at 9:28 AM
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 ⬇️
This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response.
Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️
I'm really proud of this piece of work and the dedication of those BASHH members who have worked with the team at Purple Pen to drive it. Thank you to everyone involved.
Now the hard work starts...this is already shaping BASHH strategy and plans for the future but there's always more to do
Now the hard work starts...this is already shaping BASHH strategy and plans for the future but there's always more to do
📣 We’re excited to share the report on BASHH’s Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) review.
Embedding EEDI principles is essential to advancing excellence in genitourinary medicine, sexual health and HIV care.
View the full report here: bit.ly/49FPwjZ
Embedding EEDI principles is essential to advancing excellence in genitourinary medicine, sexual health and HIV care.
View the full report here: bit.ly/49FPwjZ
November 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I'm really proud of this piece of work and the dedication of those BASHH members who have worked with the team at Purple Pen to drive it. Thank you to everyone involved.
Now the hard work starts...this is already shaping BASHH strategy and plans for the future but there's always more to do
Now the hard work starts...this is already shaping BASHH strategy and plans for the future but there's always more to do
Reposted by Kat Smithson
BASHH responded to the Women and Equalities Committee’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
Read our full statement on the publication ➡️ bit.ly/4iajaQn
November 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
BASHH responded to the Women and Equalities Committee’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
Read our full statement on the publication ➡️ bit.ly/4iajaQn
Reposted by Kat Smithson
Congratulations to Dr Cara Saxon on her appointment to President-elect of @bashhuk.bsky.social
Many thanks to Professor Matt Phillips on his leadership and vision over these past years.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with our BASHH colleagues.
Many thanks to Professor Matt Phillips on his leadership and vision over these past years.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with our BASHH colleagues.
We are delighted to announce our new Board members, and our new President-elect, Dr Cara Saxon! 📣
Read Cara's reaction, and a comment from outgoing President, Prof. Phillips ⬇️
Visit bit.ly/4qXy6VU to view the newly elected members
Read Cara's reaction, and a comment from outgoing President, Prof. Phillips ⬇️
Visit bit.ly/4qXy6VU to view the newly elected members
November 12, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Congratulations to Dr Cara Saxon on her appointment to President-elect of @bashhuk.bsky.social
Many thanks to Professor Matt Phillips on his leadership and vision over these past years.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with our BASHH colleagues.
Many thanks to Professor Matt Phillips on his leadership and vision over these past years.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with our BASHH colleagues.
Congrats to the brilliant @carasaxon.bsky.social 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
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
We are delighted to announce our new Board members, and our new President-elect, Dr Cara Saxon! 📣
Read Cara's reaction, and a comment from outgoing President, Prof. Phillips ⬇️
Visit bit.ly/4qXy6VU to view the newly elected members
Read Cara's reaction, and a comment from outgoing President, Prof. Phillips ⬇️
Visit bit.ly/4qXy6VU to view the newly elected members
November 12, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Congrats to the brilliant @carasaxon.bsky.social 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
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 @bashhuk.bsky.social 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 www.bashh.org/about/contac...
We're working on it and can continue to pick things up on our website contact form www.bashh.org/about/contac...
Contact Us
www.bashh.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Staff @bashhuk.bsky.social 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 www.bashh.org/about/contac...
We're working on it and can continue to pick things up on our website contact form www.bashh.org/about/contac...
Reposted by Kat Smithson
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.
October 28, 2025 at 4:05 PM
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.
Reposted by Kat Smithson
BASHH warmly welcomes NICE’s approval of long-acting Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) as an HIV prevention option for people who cannot have oral PrEP tablets.
Please read our full statement ➡️ bit.ly/3JbDBiL
Please read our full statement ➡️ bit.ly/3JbDBiL
October 17, 2025 at 8:46 AM
BASHH warmly welcomes NICE’s approval of long-acting Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) as an HIV prevention option for people who cannot have oral PrEP tablets.
Please read our full statement ➡️ bit.ly/3JbDBiL
Please read our full statement ➡️ bit.ly/3JbDBiL
Reposted by Kat Smithson
BASHH recently supported the launch of short films to enhance partner notification.
🎥 Last night, STV News covered the importance of young people getting tested, promoting the value of the short films and interviewing the project leads @glasgowcaledonian.bsky.social
bit.ly/48HErOG
🎥 Last night, STV News covered the importance of young people getting tested, promoting the value of the short films and interviewing the project leads @glasgowcaledonian.bsky.social
bit.ly/48HErOG
Call for young people to get tested as gonorrhoea rates rise
A report by Public Health Scotland states there has been a 59% increase.
bit.ly
September 30, 2025 at 4:59 PM
BASHH recently supported the launch of short films to enhance partner notification.
🎥 Last night, STV News covered the importance of young people getting tested, promoting the value of the short films and interviewing the project leads @glasgowcaledonian.bsky.social
bit.ly/48HErOG
🎥 Last night, STV News covered the importance of young people getting tested, promoting the value of the short films and interviewing the project leads @glasgowcaledonian.bsky.social
bit.ly/48HErOG
Reposted by Kat Smithson
During @kat-smithson.bsky.social attendance at the @commonswec.parliament.uk, she discussed the need to consider sexual health within the 10YHP, urging government to act swiftly to reverse current trends.
BASHH welcomes continued collaboration with the government to improve sexual health care.
BASHH welcomes continued collaboration with the government to improve sexual health care.
September 3, 2025 at 4:05 PM
During @kat-smithson.bsky.social attendance at the @commonswec.parliament.uk, she discussed the need to consider sexual health within the 10YHP, urging government to act swiftly to reverse current trends.
BASHH welcomes continued collaboration with the government to improve sexual health care.
BASHH welcomes continued collaboration with the government to improve sexual health care.
Privileged to represent @bashhuk.bsky.social today for @commonswec.parliament.uk session on sexual health.
With rising inequalities and historic STI rates and demand, the pressure on our services is not sustainable. We need to enable our fantastic workforce to reach all where and when needed
With rising inequalities and historic STI rates and demand, the pressure on our services is not sustainable. We need to enable our fantastic workforce to reach all where and when needed
@kat-smithson.bsky.social will attend the @commonswec.parliament.uk today to discuss the urgent need for a national sexual health strategy. With STI rates rising between 2023 and 2024, sexual health services are crucial in providing accessible, welcoming and responsive care.
September 3, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Privileged to represent @bashhuk.bsky.social today for @commonswec.parliament.uk session on sexual health.
With rising inequalities and historic STI rates and demand, the pressure on our services is not sustainable. We need to enable our fantastic workforce to reach all where and when needed
With rising inequalities and historic STI rates and demand, the pressure on our services is not sustainable. We need to enable our fantastic workforce to reach all where and when needed
Today is the day!
The 4CMenB vaccine is now being rolled out across England. This is such a vital tool as we face record levels of gonorrhoea with significant inequalities.
The 4CMenB vaccine is now being rolled out across England. This is such a vital tool as we face record levels of gonorrhoea with significant inequalities.
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
Please read BASHH's full response to the rollout ➡️ bit.ly/4l4DZwp
August 4, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Today is the day!
The 4CMenB vaccine is now being rolled out across England. This is such a vital tool as we face record levels of gonorrhoea with significant inequalities.
The 4CMenB vaccine is now being rolled out across England. This is such a vital tool as we face record levels of gonorrhoea with significant inequalities.
Reposted by Kat Smithson
Always an inspiration Dr. Marrazzo - provides loads of hope, keep passionately advocating! We need honest conversations, work with our community partners and don’t lose ground - fantastic #STIHIV2025
July 30, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Always an inspiration Dr. Marrazzo - provides loads of hope, keep passionately advocating! We need honest conversations, work with our community partners and don’t lose ground - fantastic #STIHIV2025
Reposted by Kat Smithson
So the inspirational #stihiv2025 is over in Montreal: 1400 people from 70+ countries sharing science. And now @iusti-europe.bsky.social invites you to Prague for the next IUSTI World meeting next October, with me and Janneke Heijne leading the Scientific Committee. www.iustiprague2026.com
July 31, 2025 at 1:01 AM
So the inspirational #stihiv2025 is over in Montreal: 1400 people from 70+ countries sharing science. And now @iusti-europe.bsky.social invites you to Prague for the next IUSTI World meeting next October, with me and Janneke Heijne leading the Scientific Committee. www.iustiprague2026.com
My highlights of #STIHIV2025 have been reflections on the past. @bashhuk.bsky.social is part of a social as well as medical history.
@henrydevries.bsky.social artfully used a queer theory lens to describe evolving approach sexual health and what he described as the current anti-liberal backlash 🧵
@henrydevries.bsky.social artfully used a queer theory lens to describe evolving approach sexual health and what he described as the current anti-liberal backlash 🧵
July 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
My highlights of #STIHIV2025 have been reflections on the past. @bashhuk.bsky.social is part of a social as well as medical history.
@henrydevries.bsky.social artfully used a queer theory lens to describe evolving approach sexual health and what he described as the current anti-liberal backlash 🧵
@henrydevries.bsky.social artfully used a queer theory lens to describe evolving approach sexual health and what he described as the current anti-liberal backlash 🧵
I’m all set at #STIHIV2025 @stihiv2025.org Montreal
Met incredible people in last 24 hours - lots being shared and learned. But many are not able to attend and we need to bring convos online and continue them after 🗣️🔊
If you are here, find me at the @bashhuk.bsky.social stand
Met incredible people in last 24 hours - lots being shared and learned. But many are not able to attend and we need to bring convos online and continue them after 🗣️🔊
If you are here, find me at the @bashhuk.bsky.social stand
July 28, 2025 at 12:09 PM
I’m all set at #STIHIV2025 @stihiv2025.org Montreal
Met incredible people in last 24 hours - lots being shared and learned. But many are not able to attend and we need to bring convos online and continue them after 🗣️🔊
If you are here, find me at the @bashhuk.bsky.social stand
Met incredible people in last 24 hours - lots being shared and learned. But many are not able to attend and we need to bring convos online and continue them after 🗣️🔊
If you are here, find me at the @bashhuk.bsky.social stand
Reposted by Kat Smithson
delighted to see this article with me and @positivelad.me out in @gaytimes.bsky.social for #ZeroHIVStigmaDay
www.gaytimes.com/life/the-rea...
www.gaytimes.com/life/the-rea...
The realities of living with HIV have changed
Dr Tristan Barber and Tom Hayes-Isaacs, an activist living with HIV, discuss how advances in medicine now allow many people living with HIV to lead full and healthy lives.
www.gaytimes.com
July 21, 2025 at 4:20 PM
delighted to see this article with me and @positivelad.me out in @gaytimes.bsky.social for #ZeroHIVStigmaDay
www.gaytimes.com/life/the-rea...
www.gaytimes.com/life/the-rea...
BASHH has not one, but two fantastic (even if I do say so myself) job opportunities!
The new BASHH Executive Assistant and Training and Membership Officer will be joining a small and supportive team, but will get to be part of a much bigger network and movement #LoveGUM
Check out the details 👇🏻
The new BASHH Executive Assistant and Training and Membership Officer will be joining a small and supportive team, but will get to be part of a much bigger network and movement #LoveGUM
Check out the details 👇🏻
🚨 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
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
July 16, 2025 at 1:22 PM
BASHH has not one, but two fantastic (even if I do say so myself) job opportunities!
The new BASHH Executive Assistant and Training and Membership Officer will be joining a small and supportive team, but will get to be part of a much bigger network and movement #LoveGUM
Check out the details 👇🏻
The new BASHH Executive Assistant and Training and Membership Officer will be joining a small and supportive team, but will get to be part of a much bigger network and movement #LoveGUM
Check out the details 👇🏻
Reposted by Kat Smithson
📢 The BASHH/BHIVA Guidelines on the Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 2025 have been published
Thank you to @bhiva.bsky.social, the writing group, and all contributors for your expertise and dedication.
Access the guidelines here ➡️ bit.ly/4lMe9Ou
Thank you to @bhiva.bsky.social, the writing group, and all contributors for your expertise and dedication.
Access the guidelines here ➡️ bit.ly/4lMe9Ou
July 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
📢 The BASHH/BHIVA Guidelines on the Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 2025 have been published
Thank you to @bhiva.bsky.social, the writing group, and all contributors for your expertise and dedication.
Access the guidelines here ➡️ bit.ly/4lMe9Ou
Thank you to @bhiva.bsky.social, the writing group, and all contributors for your expertise and dedication.
Access the guidelines here ➡️ bit.ly/4lMe9Ou
Very excited to be able to share that we are expanding our in-house team! We're now hiring for a new Training and Membership Officer @bashhuk.bsky.social
The post holder will be part of a small but mighty team supporting BASHH members to deliver our education programme. See links below⬇️
The post holder will be part of a small but mighty team supporting BASHH members to deliver our education programme. See links below⬇️
🚨 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
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
July 9, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Very excited to be able to share that we are expanding our in-house team! We're now hiring for a new Training and Membership Officer @bashhuk.bsky.social
The post holder will be part of a small but mighty team supporting BASHH members to deliver our education programme. See links below⬇️
The post holder will be part of a small but mighty team supporting BASHH members to deliver our education programme. See links below⬇️
Reposted by Kat Smithson
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.
We're working behind the scenes to get things back up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for bearing with us.
July 4, 2025 at 9:04 AM
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.
We're working behind the scenes to get things back up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for bearing with us.
Reposted by Kat Smithson
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:https://bit.ly/3GpDEX1
Read the joint-sector statement here:https://bit.ly/3GpDEX1
July 3, 2025 at 12:03 PM
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:https://bit.ly/3GpDEX1
Read the joint-sector statement here:https://bit.ly/3GpDEX1
Reposted by Kat Smithson
The Love Tank's groundbreaking HIV PrEP programme - PrEPster - relaunches for our 10 year anniversary.
A totally new website brings PrEP info to a whole new generation of PrEP users and those who could use PrEP.
www.thelovetank.info/news/prepster
A totally new website brings PrEP info to a whole new generation of PrEP users and those who could use PrEP.
www.thelovetank.info/news/prepster
Groundbreaking HIV PrEP programme relaunches for 10 year anniversary — The Love Tank CIC
HIV prevention programme PrEPster - formed by activists in 2015 in response to inaction on education and implementation on HIV PrEP - relaunches today to mark its 10th year since being fou...
www.thelovetank.info
June 18, 2025 at 6:33 AM
The Love Tank's groundbreaking HIV PrEP programme - PrEPster - relaunches for our 10 year anniversary.
A totally new website brings PrEP info to a whole new generation of PrEP users and those who could use PrEP.
www.thelovetank.info/news/prepster
A totally new website brings PrEP info to a whole new generation of PrEP users and those who could use PrEP.
www.thelovetank.info/news/prepster