ACET Jersey response to hospital making HIV testing routine for patients
Rosemary Ruddy, a Trustee of ACET Jersey,
commented:
"ACET Jersey welcomes news that more patients at the General
Hospital will now be routinely offered a test for HIV. People in
the UK still become seriously ill or die because they have not been
diagnosed with HIV early enough. And many may be putting partners
at risk of infection as they can live undiagnosed for a number of
years.
The new policy is a welcome step forward in encouraging doctors
and health workers to prioritise diagnosing HIV and increase
testing. Healthcare workers must be knowledgeable about the
signs and symptoms of HIV and be prepared to carry out an HIV
test.
Advising that routine HIV testing is offered to patients
undergoing treatment for illnesses which may indicate that they
have a weakened immune system is an appropriate response to the
serious public health challenge of HIV. It will ensure people
with HIV get the treatment they need and will undoubtedly reduce
new infections.
This move complements ACET Jersey's Care Survey in its aim to
improve the social, psychological and financial support available
to the increasing number of islanders living with HIV and their
families."
Last updated September 2011