Healthcare rights

We are all entitled to fair and equal treatment in healthcare, regardless of our HIV status. 

If a dentist or doctor refuses to treat you because you have HIV, that’s against the law. Your confidentiality is also protected by NHS rules, and if things do go wrong, there are organisations who can help you sort the problem out.

If you're living with HIV you might experience some problems with your healthcare because of your status. Here are some of the more common problems we've encountered over the years - and their solutions.

`Receptionists at my GP’s mention my HIV status loudly, in front of other patients'

• Privacy and your GP

`I’m not confident that my GP knows enough about treating people with HIV'

• Finding a good GP

`My HIV doctor doesn’t listen to what I say, and is always in a hurry'

• Unhappy with your doctor

`When I went for tests in another hospital department, the nurse seemed nervous and put on two sets of gloves'

• Problems at hospital

`After the dentist found out I had HIV, I couldn’t get another appointment'

• Problems with dentists

`The hospital says they can’t treat me because I’ve overstayed my visa'

• Immigration and healthcare

If you encounter unfair treatment that doesn't fall into one of these categories don't despair - contact THT Direct and talk through your experience with one of our advisers.