Independent Review Ordered After PHW Safeguarding Failures 2026

Key Points

• Public Health Wales has apologised following a review that identified safeguarding failures and data handling problems in its sexual health test and post service.
• Safeguarding information was incorrectly reported to health boards rather than to local authorities, contravening legislation.
• Issues were identified by Public Health Wales in November and December 2025, with immediate remedial steps taken.
• A review of cases involving potentially unsafeguarded individuals is ongoing, directing affected cases to relevant local authorities.
• Data handling failures included test results sent to incorrect health boards, though sharing remained within the NHS.
• A small number of individuals received incorrect test results, delayed results, or delayed referrals.
• Affected service users have been contacted and offered follow-up care.
• Data incidents 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, issued a sincere apology to those impacted.
• Professor Khaw confirmed immediate action upon issue identification and the commissioning of a full independent external review.
• The service processes nearly 100,000 sexual health test requests annually.
• Public Health Wales advises that unaffected users need not contact them, as all impacted individuals have been informed.

Wales (The Wales Times) February 24, 2026 – Public Health Wales has launched an independent external review after uncovering safeguarding failures and data mishandling in its sexual health testing and post-test service. The organisation issued a public apology, confirming swift corrective measures following discoveries made in late 2025.

What Were the Safeguarding Failures Identified?

Public Health Wales conducted an internal review that revealed critical lapses in safeguarding protocols. Specifically, safeguarding information was being reported to health boards instead of local authorities, as mandated by legislation. This misdirection potentially left vulnerable individuals without appropriate protection.

The organisation pinpointed these issues during assessments in November and December 2025. As a direct response, Public Health Wales initiated immediate steps to rectify the processes. A comprehensive case review is now underway for instances where safeguarding may not have been adequately handled, with affected cases being forwarded to the pertinent local authorities.

Professor Fu-Meng Khaw, National Director of Health Protection and Screening Services and Medical Director at Public Health Wales, addressed the matter directly. He stated:

“I would like to sincerely apologise to anyone who has been affected by these issues.”

Professor Khaw further emphasised:

“As soon as these issues were identified, we acted immediately to put things right.”

He also confirmed that a full independent external review into the issues has been commissioned.​

What Data Handling Problems Occurred?

In addition to safeguarding shortcomings, Public Health Wales identified several data handling failures. These included instances where test results were dispatched to the wrong health board. The organisation stressed that all sharing of results stayed within the NHS framework.

A small number of service users experienced incorrect test results, delayed results, or postponed referrals. Public Health Wales has proactively contacted these individuals, offering suitable follow-up care. The data incidents have been formally reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office for oversight.

Public Health Wales handles nearly 100,000 requests for sexual health tests each year, underscoring the scale of the service and the importance of robust data management. Those not contacted regarding errors or delays need not reach out, as the organisation assures all affected users have been notified.

Why Was an Independent Review Ordered?

The commissioning of an independent external review marks a significant escalation in addressing these failures. Professor Fu-Meng Khaw explicitly confirmed this step, signalling Public Health Wales’s commitment to transparency and accountability. This review aims to scrutinise the root causes and prevent recurrence.

The decision follows the internal identification of issues in November and December 2025. Immediate actions were taken to realign processes with legal requirements, particularly around safeguarding referrals to local authorities rather than health boards.

As reported in coverage by various outlets drawing from Public Health Wales statements, the review extends to all potentially impacted cases. This ensures comprehensive auditing and redirection where necessary.

Who Has Been Affected and What Support Is Available?

Impacts appear limited, with only a small number of people receiving incorrect or delayed test results and referrals. Public Health Wales has prioritised outreach to these individuals, providing appropriate follow-up care. The organisation maintains that results sharing did not extend beyond the NHS.

Service users unaffected by these issues—those not contacted—require no further action. Public Health Wales explicitly states: 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.

Professor Fu-Meng Khaw’s apology underscores the human element:

“I would like to sincerely apologise to anyone who has been affected by these issues.”

This personal acknowledgment from the Medical Director highlights the gravity with which the organisation views the matter.

How Does This Impact the Sexual Health Service?

The sexual health test and post service processes nearly 100,000 requests annually, making it a cornerstone of public health delivery in Wales. Failures in safeguarding and data handling, though now addressed, raise questions about oversight in high-volume operations.

Safeguarding misreporting to health boards rather than local authorities breached legislative standards, potentially exposing vulnerable patients. Data errors, while contained within the NHS, eroded trust in result accuracy and timeliness.

Public Health Wales’s response—immediate fixes, case reviews, ICO notifications, and an independent probe—demonstrates proactive governance. Yet, the incident prompts broader scrutiny of procedural resilience in sexual health services.

What Steps Has Public Health Wales Taken So Far?

Upon identifying issues in November and December 2025, Public Health Wales acted decisively. Process corrections ensured safeguarding reports now reach local authorities as required. Data pathways were overhauled to prevent misdirected results.

Ongoing case reviews identify and redirect unsafeguarded instances. Affected patients received direct contact and care follow-ups. Incidents were logged with the Information Commissioner’s Office, fulfilling regulatory duties.

Professor Fu-Meng Khaw outlined the timeline:

“As soon as these issues were identified, we acted immediately to put things right.”

The independent review commission further bolsters these efforts.

When and How Were the Issues First Spotted?

The problems surfaced through Public Health Wales’s own review in November and December 2025. This internal vigilance allowed for rapid detection before wider harm.

Safeguarding lapses involved routine reporting errors to health boards. Data issues manifested in select result transmissions and minor inaccuracies/delays.

No external prompt triggered the review; it stemmed from standard operational checks, reflecting positively on the organisation’s monitoring despite the findings.

Will There Be Further Updates on the Independent Review?

Public Health Wales has committed to a full independent external review, as confirmed by Professor Fu-Meng Khaw. This external scrutiny will likely yield public findings on systemic flaws and recommendations.

While specifics on timelines remain undisclosed, the organisation’s track record of prompt action suggests updates will follow. Case reviews continue, with local authority handovers in progress.

Stakeholders, including service users and regulators, await outcomes that could reshape protocols. Public Health Wales reassures unaffected users of service continuity.

Broader Implications for Public Health in Wales

This episode highlights vulnerabilities in high-throughput services like sexual health testing. With 100,000 annual requests, even minor failures amplify risks to patient safety and data integrity.

Legislative compliance on safeguarding is non-negotiable, particularly for vulnerable groups. The ICO’s involvement ensures data protection standards are upheld.

Public Health Wales’s apology and reforms set a precedent for accountability. Professor Khaw’s leadership in commissioning independent oversight may restore confidence.