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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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HIV Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides safe, non-discriminatory, and high-quality care to people receiving care who are living with HIV, while ensuring staff are equipped with appropriate knowledge, training, and infection control measures. This policy aligns with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations, Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland) 2018, and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice.

This policy ensures that:

• People living with HIV receive equitable and compassionate care, free from stigma or discrimination.
• Staff understand the facts about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment.
• Strict infection control and confidentiality protocols are in place.
• Staff receive mandatory training on HIV awareness and safe working practices.
• Legal and ethical responsibilities regarding HIV care are upheld.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including care workers, supervisors, and management, ensuring they follow correct procedures in supporting individuals with HIV.
• Agency and temporary staff, ensuring they adhere to the same professional and infection control standards.
• People receiving care, their families, and advocates, ensuring they are aware of their rights and confidentiality protections.
• External healthcare professionals and service providers working in partnership with {{org_field_name}}.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland) 2018 – Promoting dignity, respect, and inclusion.
• The Equality Act 2010 – Preventing discrimination against people living with HIV.
• Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice – Ensuring ethical and professional care.
• The Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) – Protecting confidentiality and sensitive health information.
• The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 – Covering communicable disease management.
• The Infection Prevention and Control Standards for Health and Social Care – Ensuring best practices for preventing infections.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Ensuring safe handling of blood and bodily fluids.
• Care Inspectorate’s Quality Framework – Defining best practices for supporting people with health conditions, including HIV.

4. Understanding HIV and Dispelling Myths

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a long-term health condition that can be effectively managed with treatment. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) means that individuals on effective treatment cannot transmit the virus sexually. Misconceptions about HIV can lead to stigma and discrimination, which this policy aims to prevent.

HIV is not transmitted through:

• Casual contact (hugging, touching, sharing utensils).
• Air, water, or insect bites.
• Toilets, showers, or common household items.
• Providing personal care, unless direct exposure to blood occurs.

HIV can only be transmitted through:

• Unprotected sexual contact.
• Sharing needles or injecting equipment.
• From mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (preventable with medical care).
• Blood-to-blood contact through open wounds.

5. Confidentiality and Non-Discrimination

5.1 Protecting Personal Information

• HIV status is confidential health information and must only be shared on a strict need-to-know basis with the individual’s consent.
• Staff must comply with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 to protect sensitive information.
• Breaches of confidentiality regarding HIV status will be treated as serious misconduct.

5.2 Ensuring Equality and Non-Discrimination

• People living with HIV have the same rights as all other people receiving care.
• Refusing care or treating an individual differently due to HIV status is illegal and unethical.
• Staff must challenge and report discriminatory behaviour in accordance with our Whistleblowing Policy.
• Care should be person-centred, promoting dignity and respect.

6. Infection Prevention and Control Measures

HIV transmission in care settings is extremely rare and can be prevented with basic infection control measures.

6.1 Universal Precautions

• All staff must follow Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) to minimise risk and prevent potential transmission of infections, including HIV, within the care environment.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, aprons, and masks where necessary, must be worn when handling bodily fluids to prevent cross-contamination.
• Hand hygiene must be rigorously maintained before and after providing any care. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Sharps disposal: Needles, scalpels, and other sharps must be disposed of immediately in designated sharps containers to eliminate the risk of accidental injury or contamination.
• Decontamination of surfaces and equipment: Any surface or equipment that comes into contact with bodily fluids must be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant as per infection control guidelines.
• Waste management: All waste contaminated with bodily fluids should be properly bagged, sealed, and disposed of in accordance with infection control policies and local regulations.
• Barrier precautions: In situations where there is a risk of blood or bodily fluid exposure, additional protective measures, such as face shields or goggles, should be considered.
• Training and competency checks: Regular staff training and competency assessments will be conducted to ensure that universal precautions are consistently followed and that all employees are aware of their role in infection prevention and control.
• All staff must follow Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) to minimise risk.
• Gloves and aprons must be worn when handling bodily fluids.
• Hand hygiene must be maintained before and after providing care.
• Sharps disposal: Needles and other sharps must be disposed of in designated containers.

6.2 Managing Blood or Bodily Fluid Exposure

• If a staff member is exposed to blood (e.g., needlestick injury), they must wash the affected area immediately with soap and water.
• The incident must be reported immediately, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be required.
• An incident report must be completed, and the exposure must be reviewed for lessons learned.

7. Supporting People Living with HIV

7.1 Providing Holistic Care

• Individuals should be supported to manage their health and treatment effectively, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare and community services.
• Staff should encourage regular medical check-ups, medication adherence, and engagement with HIV support organisations.
• Emotional and psychological support should be readily available, including access to counselling services, mental health professionals, and peer support groups.
• Care plans should incorporate a person-centred approach, allowing individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health and lifestyle.
• Cultural sensitivity should be maintained when discussing HIV-related care, recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences of people receiving care.

7.2 Coordinating with Healthcare Providers

• Care plans must include medical needs related to HIV if the individual consents, ensuring seamless integration with existing health and social care services.
• Staff should collaborate with HIV specialists, GPs, community nurses, and pharmacists to ensure holistic care management.
• Communication with healthcare providers should be timely and coordinated, ensuring necessary adjustments to care, such as changes in medication, infection control measures, or nutritional support.
• Where necessary, referrals should be made to social workers, benefits advisors, or housing support teams to address wider social determinants affecting the individual’s well-being.
• Staff should be aware of emergency care protocols for individuals living with HIV, including understanding potential medication side effects and the importance of prompt medical attention when required.

7.3 Encouraging Independence and Empowerment

• People living with HIV should be supported to maintain their independence and dignity, making their own choices about daily activities and lifestyle.
• Staff should provide education on HIV management, including information on treatment effectiveness, transmission prevention, and self-care strategies.
• Advocacy and empowerment programmes should be encouraged, helping individuals challenge stigma and discrimination through self-advocacy, peer networks, and community initiatives.
• Individuals should be encouraged to take an active role in their care planning, ensuring their needs, preferences, and goals are respected.
• Where appropriate, staff should help individuals access employment, education, or volunteering opportunities to support personal growth and social inclusion.

7.1 Providing Holistic Care

• Individuals should be supported to manage their health and treatment.
• Staff should encourage access to HIV clinics, medication adherence, and support services.
• Emotional and psychological support should be available for those facing stigma or mental health challenges.

7.2 Coordinating with Healthcare Providers

• Care plans must include medical needs related to HIV if the person consents.
• Staff should work alongside HIV specialists, GPs, and community nurses.
• Any necessary adjustments to care, such as infection control measures or medication support, should be recorded in the individual’s care plan.

7.3 Encouraging Independence and Empowerment

• People living with HIV should be supported to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle.
• Education and advocacy should be provided to help individuals challenge stigma and discrimination.

8. Staff Training and Awareness

To ensure high-quality and non-discriminatory care, all staff must:

• Complete mandatory training on HIV awareness and infection control.
• Be aware of legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
• Understand the principles of confidentiality and non-disclosure.
• Recognise the importance of person-centred care in HIV management.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

To ensure ongoing compliance with this policy, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Conduct annual audits on infection control and confidentiality compliance.
• Gather feedback from people receiving care on how HIV-related care is managed.
• Provide regular refresher training for staff to keep up with best practices.
• Work in partnership with HIV support organisations to improve care delivery.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
• Safeguarding and Protection Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, best practices, or organisational needs. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff and relevant stakeholders.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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