HIV Policy

Introduction

The practice recognises that HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a health issue that has had misinformation spread about it in the past. It is therefore essential for people to be informed of the true facts of the condition and where to turn to for advice when they need it. It is also important that all patients understand how their personal information is handled confidentially within the NHS. 

This practice will adopt best practice in all dealings with patients in accordance with the requirements and the ethos of the Equality Act 2010.  Patient information will be protected in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and recommended best practice as detailed in A guide to confidentiality in health and social care: Treating Confidential Information with Respect, HSCIC, 2013.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body’s natural defence systems and leaves it vulnerable to infection and cancers. 

With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV will not go on to develop complications and living with HIV is treated the same way as other long-term conditions are.

HIV infection is mainly transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse with a person who has the virus. Other routes of infection mainly occur only in certain high-risk groups e.g. drug users sharing infected needles, transmission from mother to her unborn child, healthcare staff in surgical theatres, certain contact with infected human blood or tissue products (rare).

There is no evidence that the virus is transmitted by any other route, for example through coughing, sneezing, sharing cooking utensils or other articles in general use or through sharing toilet facilities. Normal social and employment contact with an HIV infected person is safe for both employees and members of the public.

General principles

• All patients will receive good standards of care, regardless of what condition they might have, or how they acquired it.
• Good clinical practice will apply for all patients.
• There will be no specific marking of records other than standard disease recording using clinical codes.
• There will be no form of discrimination against any patient presenting with a disease.
• Staff dealing with patients adversely will be subject to normal disciplinary procedures.
• Staff are trained in the importance of universal precautions that, when followed correctly, mean there is no need for concern when providing care for those with HIV or any other blood borne virus.
• The practice adheres to the Data Protection Act 2018, the Caldicott Principles and recommended best practice as detailed in ‘A guide to confidentiality in health and social care: Treating Confidential Information with Respect, HSCIC, 2013.
• Consent is appropriately sought before personal information is used in ways that do not directly contribute to the delivery of care services, and objections to the disclosure of confidential personal information are appropriately respected.

It is hoped that actions taken to increase knowledge about HIV and the provision of opportunities for individuals to discuss their fears will help counter misinformation and prejudice before problems arise.

Training Education and Information

The aims of this policy are:

• To help dispel any unfounded fears and prejudices
• To ensure any form of discrimination based on the above is avoided
• To reassure all patients that they will receive best clinical care and treatment 
• To reassure staff and patients that the practice adheres to strict infection prevention and control procedures 
• To increase awareness of the necessary universal/standard infection control precautions

Achieved by:

• Appropriate training for staff being provided at regular intervals, or upon request e.g. Confidentiality/Information Governance, Equality Act 2010, Infection Prevention and Control.
• Making information leaflets and lists of points of contact available for patients
• Guidance on good hygiene practice as part of clinical governance.
• Regular review of this policy to take account of any updated information