Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust) and only lay-representative of the expert advisory group on HIV positive healthcare workers, comments:

'The recommended rule changes for healthcare workers with HIV are long overdue.  Sadly the UK has lagged behind other countries in addressing this issue.  Many healthcare professionals have raised concerns with us about the current restrictions and we were pleased to sit on the advisory group and represent their views.  We've long campaigned for people with HIV to be treated fairly and this includes getting rid of archaic rules based on fear and prejudice rather than evidence.  The fact is, HIV treatment is now so advanced that healthcare workers with HIV can do their job without putting their patients' health at risk - and failing to recognise this is discriminatory.'

- Ends -

Notes to the editor:

For further information please contact:
Charli Scouller
Communications Manager
NAT
020 7814 6733
press@nat.org.uk

NAT
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change.
Shaping attitudes. Challenging injustice. Changing lives.
www.nat.org.uk