UNISON, the UK’s largest health union, today welcomed the Government’s decision to lift the ban on HIV positive NHS workers from carrying out certain procedures calling it “a victory for common sense”.
Sara Gorton, UNISON Deputy Head of Health, went on to say:
“UNISON has campaigned long and hard on this issue calling for the regulations to be based on evidence rather than misinformed, often homophobic, prejudice.
“Today’s announcement is good news for patients as well as staff. Good for patients in that the NHS will not be wasting the skills & expertise of highly trained staff, good for staff as they will now be free to practice and use their hard earned skills and expertise.
“Lifting the ban also represents a further step in removing the outdated stigma and prejudice around HIV”.
