From 6 April 2025, important changes are being introduced to the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations, which all Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) should be aware of. These updates, announced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), aim to strengthen infectious disease surveillance and response across the country.
What’s Changing?
The key update is an expanded list of notifiable diseases that RMPs must report. These changes reflect evolving public health risks and ensure a more proactive approach to managing infectious diseases.
RMPs are legally required to notify the UKHSA of any cases where they suspect a patient has a notifiable disease. This includes both confirmed and suspected cases. The updated list includes several additional conditions that now warrant prompt notification.
There are also enhanced reporting requirements for laboratories, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive surveillance system that captures both clinical and diagnostic data.
How to Report
To simplify the process, RMPs are reminded to use the ‘Report a notifiable disease’ online tool, available via the UKHSA website. This tool ensures accurate and timely data submission, supporting public health teams in monitoring and responding to outbreaks.
You can access the reporting tool here: Report a notifiable disease – GOV.UK
Why It Matters
Prompt notification of notifiable diseases is essential for:
•Rapid public health response
•Preventing disease spread
•Protecting vulnerable populations
•Informing policy and resource allocation
With these updated regulations, RMPs and laboratories alike play a crucial role in safeguarding public health.
Further Information
The UKHSA has published a detailed blog explaining the upcoming changes, the rationale behind them, and how they will affect both clinical and laboratory professionals. You can read it here: UKHSA Blog on HPNR Changes