We are all entitled to fair and respectful treatment in healthcare and under the 2010 Equality Act it is illegal to treat someone less favourably because they have HIV.
This law applies to anyone providing “goods, facilities and services to the public” - and that includes healthcare providers. This means that if a doctor, dentist or other health or social care provider refuses to treat you because you have HIV, or treats you differently to other patients, it’s against the law. There are things you can do if you are unhappy with the way you have been treated. See our section on When you’re not happy for more information on the action you can take, and where to get support to take it, if that’s what you’d like.
Health workers are also obliged to protect your confidentiality. You can find out more about how your confidentiality should be protected in Confidentiality.
You may be worried about accessing NHS care because of your immigration status. Rules about entitlement are complicated but you will still be entitled to NHS care in certain situations. You can find out more in our sections on Immigration and health care and Immigration.
Various people discuss how they reacted when they found out they were HIV positive
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Positively UK
http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/
George House Trust
Equality and Human Rights Commission
NAM
Mambo
Work Life - Your Work, Your Health, Your Life
CAB - Citizens Advice Bureau
Living Wel
Naz Project