Public health minister Melanie Johnson has launched a new set of standards on sexual health services in the NHS.

The blueprint gives guidance to NHS staff on what they are obliged offer and outlines what patients can expect to receive.

Sexually transmitted infections have gone up the political agenda in recent months with the Conservatives accusing the government of failing to confront the sensitive issue.

With the level of infections rising, particularly among young people, ministers want to "modernise" services to make them more relevant to the public.

A core of 10 basic standards have been recommended, including a public information campaign, greater Chlamydia screening and access to contraceptive provision and advice.

Johnson said the reforms would work alongside extra funding in a bid to boost preventative medicine.

"The Department of Health welcomes these recommended standards as excellent markers of good practice - which will help to improve the quality of sexual health services across the country," she said.

"We recently announced an extra £300m in our public health white paper to transform sexual services and I hope that these new, clearer recommended standards will offer healthcare professionals at all levels invaluable information to meet government targets as well as enhancing the quality of services in all settings."