Independent review ordered after Public Health Wales finds safeguarding failures in sexual health service
Public Health Wales has apologised after a review identified safeguarding failures and data handling problems in its sexual health test and post service.
The organisation found that safeguarding information was being reported to health boards rather than to local authorities, as required by legislation.
Public Health Wales identified the issues in November and December 2025 and says it took immediate steps to address them.
A review of cases involving people who may not have been safeguarded appropriately is under way, with affected cases being directed to the relevant local authority.
The organisation also identified data handling failures, including occasions when test results were sent to the wrong health board.
The sharing of results remained within the NHS, Public Health Wales said.
A small number of people received incorrect test results or experienced delayed results and referrals.
Public Health Wales says those affected have already been contacted and offered appropriate follow-up care.
The data incidents have been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Professor Fu-Meng Khaw, National Director of Health Protection and Screening Services and Medical Director at Public Health Wales, said: “I would like to sincerely apologise to anyone who has been affected by these issues.”
He said: “As soon as these issues were identified, we acted immediately to put things right.”
Professor Khaw confirmed that a full independent external review into the issues has been commissioned.
The service processes nearly 100,000 requests for sexual health tests each year.
Public Health Wales says anyone who has not been contacted about incorrect or delayed results does not need to get in touch, as all affected service users have already been informed.
A helpline is available for anyone who is concerned: 0800 0352 877, open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm on weekends.
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