LONDON, April 30, 2007  –  Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has launched a new campaign today aimed at helping people with HIV ensure that they receive fair and equal treatment in healthcare.

‘Healthy Respect’ sets out the standards of care that you should receive if you visit a GP, a Dentist or a hospital for treatment.

In the past, people with HIV weren’t always protected from discrimination. But the law has changed and now covers everybody who knows they have HIV.

The Disability Discrimination Act says that it’s illegal to treat someone less favourably because they have HIV and applies to anyone providing “goods, facilities and services to the public”.

“Everyone should be entitled to fair and equal treatment with any healthcare they receive, regardless of HIV status,” said Will Nutland, head of health promotion at THT.

“So if a dentist or a doctor refuses to treat a patient because they are HIV positive, that’s against the law.

“If things do go wrong, there are organisations who can help sort the problem out,” he continued.. “We want people to know that if they’re not getting the treatment they need, the campaign website and booklet can offer practical advice and information.”

THT launched the campaign after research demonstrated that some people had experienced difficulty accessing services.  Some of the more common problems that have been reported over the years include:

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

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

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

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

To find out more about Healthy Respect call THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200 or go to the Healthy Respect section of their website.

Rapid HIV Testing in Newcastle

A new rapid HIV testing service is to the launched in Newcastle tomorrow (May 1).

Developed jointly by Terrence Higgins Trust, Newcastle Primary Care Trust and MESMAC North East, the ‘Fastest’ clinic is aimed at gay and bisexual men and will offer a one hour HIV testing service - results from sexual health clinics can take several days.

The aim of the new’ service is to provide an alternative testing environment for people who are not able to access services during the normal working day, or who may be put off by hospitals and traditional sexual health clinics.

“This is the first time that a service in Newcastle has been able to give HIV test results within an hour,” said Andrew Smith, associate director at THT.

“The clinic is also right in the centre of the city and operates outside normal working hours so it’s quick and convenient.  We hope that by making it easier to have a test, more people will come forward.”

The clinic will be run by staff from the GUM Clinic at Newcastle General Hospital and the service will be ‘open access’ rather than appointment based

Open every Tuesday evening between 5 and 7pm, pre and post test counselling will be offered to those attending and anyone who tests positive will be given full support, including information on treatment centres and local services including counselling, information, advice and peer support.

The ‘Fastest’ clinic will be based at MESMAC North East, 3rd Floor, 11 Nelson Street, Newcastle, NE1 5AN

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Posted: 30 April 2007 at 14:00 (UK time)