GPs and other medical professionals

The information in the previous section on confidentiality in medical settings still applies.

Moreover, the medical records used by sexual health clinics and GPs are not linked, and a person's GP will not be told about HIV tests the person has taken.

While people with diagnosed HIV are encouraged to register with a GP and to disclose their HIV status to the GP, the decision to do so rests with the individual concerned. The HIV clinic cannot enter into contact with the GP without the permission of the patient.

People who are diagnosed HIV-positive may at some stage be referred by their HIV clinic for tests or treatment in other hospital departments. It is standard practice that the other medical professionals caring for the person will be informed of his or her HIV status (and any other relevant aspects of the medical history).

It is helpful for doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare workers involved in a person's care to know about HIV status and any medication taken, in order to avoid drug interactions and correctly identify the cause of health problems.