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

The bottom line: health workers are obliged to protect your confidentiality.

We often need to tell doctors private and sensitive things about ourselves that we would not want other people to know. This can include HIV status, things about sex, and how we’re feeling.

You have the right to expect that this information is treated in the strictest confidence.

• Staff shouldn’t show your medical records or discuss your health with family, friends or anyone else without your permission.
• Staff shouldn’t discuss your case where they can be overheard (especially if someone could work out that it’s you they are talking about).
• Confidential information (like “HIV positive”) should never be written on the cover of your medical notes where other people could see it.
• Doctors can only complete medical reports for insurers and employers with your permission.

If you feel that your privacy has not been properly respected at a GP’s surgery, the first step is to discuss this informally. Speak to the practice manager (if there is one), or to your doctor. Hopefully, they will understand the seriousness of the problem, and will tell you how they plan to make sure it doesn’t happen again. For example, the receptionist may need more training.

The NHS has confidentiality policies which lay out what levels of privacy you as as patient have a right to expect.

You can find out more about your confidentiality rights here.

If things haven't changed

But if you don’t feel you can talk to the manager or GP about this, or you’re not satisfied with their response, you could speak to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or think about making a complaint.

You can find out more about making a complaint here.