Candidozyma, formerly Candida, auris is an emerging multi-drug resistant fungal pathogen. Candidozyma auris is becoming more widespread globally, can result in serious infections in vulnerable individuals, and has been associated with outbreaks in healthcare settings that have resulted in substantial service disruption. The addition of candidozyma auris to the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations as a notifiable organism under Schedule 2 enables the UK Health Security Agency to more closely monitor this pathogen and inform public health action to limit its spread within the United Kingdom.

The Health Protection (Notification) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 Impact Assessment, a copy of which is attached, highlights that testing for candidozyma auris would be conducted within National Health Service and private laboratories. The burden on laboratories for additional testing is likely to be low, as testing is straightforward.

The consultation on the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 closed in November 2023. As reflected in the published summary of responses, each response was treated equally during analysis, as is the standard approach for consultation response analysis. The Department and the UK Health Security Agency are considering the responses in total, and are grateful for the stakeholders’ engagement on this complex topic. Confirmation of any changes to the regulations will be published in due course.

Patient confidentiality is of vital importance to retain patients’ trust in sexual health services, and to encourage access to advice, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

A public consultation seeking views on proposals to amend the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 was held between 12 July and 15 November 2023. This included the proposal to add specific STIs to schedule 2 of the regulations to strengthen surveillance. The consultation asked for views on the consequences of this change, including whether it could negatively impact public trust in the confidentiality of sexual health services and data and risk creating a barrier to accessing sexual services.

The Department and the UK Health Security Agency are considering the responses to the consultation and are grateful for stakeholders’ continued engagement on this topic.

Patient confidentiality is of vital importance in sexual health to retain patients’ trust in services, and to encourage access to advice, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. A public consultation seeking views on proposals to amend the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations (HPNR) 2010 was held between 12 July and 15 November 2023. This included a commitment that any decision on adding specific sexually transmitted infections to schedule 2 of the regulations would be shaped by consultation responses and engagement with stakeholders.

The Department and the UK Health Security Agency are considering the responses to the consultation and are grateful for stakeholders’ continued engagement on this topic.

Following a review of the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 by the Department and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Government published a public consultation between 12 July and 15 November 2023, seeking views on proposed amendments to the regulations.

Adding Group B Streptococcal Infection to schedule 1 of the regulations was not included in the consultation proposals, but a small number of respondents suggested it could be suitable for inclusion.

A summary of responses to the consultation has been published. The Department and UKHSA are considering the consultation responses, and confirmation of any changes to the regulations will be published in due course.

As part of our responsibility to protect citizens from the impact of infectious diseases, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) carries out surveillance activities across a range of pathogens which represent a significant risk to health. This involves multiple UKHSA teams working with external partners across a wide range of activities. Our assessments of the effectiveness of surveillance are incorporated into annual reports on surveillance and progress towards the elimination of notifiable diseases, including tuberculosis and measles.

Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 serve an important role in England’s ability to respond promptly to suspected cases of infectious disease that could have an impact on public health, by supporting a robust surveillance system. Regulations are reviewed by the Department and UKHSA, and include public consultations. A summary of responses to the recent Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010: proposed amendments consultation, is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/health-protection-notification-regulations-2010-proposed-amendments/public-feedback/summary-of-responses-to-the-health-protection-notification-regulations-2010-proposed-amendments-consultation

The Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 provide public health protection in England and place a statutory duty to notify the appropriate authority of certain infectious diseases and causative agents, such as COVID-19. This enables prompt investigation, risk assessment and response by specified bodies to cases of infectious disease or contamination that pose a significant risk to human health.
Silicosis is not an infectious disease or causative agent which presents or could present significant harm to human health. Therefore, it cannot be included under Schedule 1 or 2 of the regulations, as the powers are limited in accordance with the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984. Instead, it is associated with occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The Health and Safety Executive recommend health surveillance should be considered for workers involved in high-risk occupations, such as construction and foundry work.

The Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 provide public health protection in England and place a statutory duty to notify the appropriate authority of certain infectious diseases and causative agents, such as COVID-19. This enables prompt investigation, risk assessment and response by specified bodies to cases of infectious disease or contamination that pose a significant risk to human health.
Silicosis is not an infectious disease or causative agent which presents or could present significant harm to human health. Therefore, it cannot be included under Schedule 1 or 2 of the regulations, as the powers are limited in accordance with the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984. Instead, it is associated with occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The Health and Safety Executive recommend health surveillance should be considered for workers involved in high-risk occupations, such as construction and foundry work.

COVID-19 is a notifiable disease. As such, under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010, all laboratories are legally required to notify positive incidences to Public Health England.