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

The bottom line: nurses are meant to use the same ‘standard precautions’ with everyone, and you could make an official complaint.

The nurse should know that this is totally unnecessary. Official guidelines from the Department of Health and the organisation that regulates nurses say that to prevent infections being passed on, nurses should use ‘standard precautions’.

These procedures are based on the risk that the nurse could come into contact with blood - the HIV status of the patient is irrelevant. Exactly the same precautions should be used with each patient, in case someone has an infection. Some patients will have HIV without realising it.

Also, the Department of Health guidelines remind staff that there’s no evidence that HIV can be passed on from blood to unbroken skin.

‘Special treatment’ like this can be humiliating, at a time when we should be cared for. What’s more, the nurses’ regulator says that protecting the dignity of patients is a professional duty.

If treatment like this has angered or upset you, a first step would be to speak to the nurse in charge of the ward. There’s a good chance that he or she will appreciate the problem, apologise, and speak to the nurse concerned about more training.

If things aren't addressed

You could also approach the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and talk to them about making a complaint.

You can find out more about making a complaint here.