Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he is taking steps to review (a) public health policy, (b) funding, (c) testing and (d) treatment options for women diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infections.

The Department have no plans to do so. Funding for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is derived from individual clinical commissioning group budgets. However, the forthcoming Women’s Health Strategy will address a range of women’s health issues, including UTIs.

National Health Service commissioners in England are responsible for urinary continence care based on the available evidence and taking into account guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). In most instances, testing for UTIs is carried out by a general practitioner, with a referral to a specialist for persistent UTIs. NICE has produced a range of guidance for clinicians to support them in the diagnosis, treatment care and support of people with UTIs. In October 2018, NICE published guidance on antimicrobial resistant prescribing. NHS England and NHS Improvement are also conducting research on UTIs and antimicrobial resistance.