Medical staff made 'inappropriate' and 'discriminatory' comments about HIV

A WOMAN living with HIV has revealed some of the comments she has received from medical professionals as she wants more people to feel safe telling their story.

- by EMMA SLEE & BEN BARRY

Becky Mitchell was diagnosed with HIV in August 2012 after a year-long relationship with a man who had the virus.

Since her diagnosis, Becky - whose viral load is undetectable - said she has faced discrimination at the hands of doctors, nurses and dentists.

The 50-year-old, an executive assistant and personal trainer from Teignmouth, said while receiving a flu jab a nurse shouted: “Put gloves on, she's HIV.” Her dentist also told his assistant to “wash her hands” - even though she’d worn gloves.

Becky said the comments she faced were confusing and unhelpful, and she is speaking out so more women can tell their story.

She said: “It was confusing, they were supposed to know better, and I knew more than they did. I look after myself, I go to doctors’ appointments, I am no risk to anyone.

“I know a lot of women who didn’t tell their families because they were afraid of discrimination or violence. I thought, if I can help to give them a voice, and try to raise the profile, I am happy to speak out about my experience.”