A Health Worker Has Claimed GPs' Complacency Is Leading To Late HIV Diagnoses.

A health group worker has claimed that GPs are not doing enough to diagnose HIV early in people with relevant symptoms.

Todd Thorpe works for counselling group Dhiverse and is trying to get GPs surgeries signed up to an education programme where doctors are told about the risks involved to people with the disease.

Mr Thorpe claims that even though doctors are well trained in spotting specific symptoms, there are often misconceptions that remain among medical professionals about the lifestyles of people who catch HIV.

"I believe they (GPs) have become complacent. We've had guys go to the GP with their symptoms and not once have they been offered an HIV test," Mr Thorpe told the BBC.

But despite his attempts to get more GPs surgeries involved in Dhiverse's education programme, only two out of 96 have pledged to take training courses and he is now pessimistic about the chances people with HIV have of accessing quick treatment.

Mr Thorpe himself was diagnosed with the disease four years ago after he was raped and claims he knows how difficult it is to get help and support.

Sharron Spindler, chief executive of Dhiverse, said she has seen many cases where people's symptoms were missed by GPs because they did not fit the "normal" criteria for someone with HIV.

"We have had a couple of reports of GPs telling their patient that it was unlikely they were at risk of HIV because they were married. This shows that there is still some misconception about how HIV is contracted," Ms Spindler said.

In one case reported by Mr Thorpe, a man with HIV waited 12 years to be tested. This has numerous negative ramifications and could leave him with a more advanced form of the disease.

The Royal College of General Practitioners rejects the criticism from Dhiverse and argues GPs receive training through groups endorsed by its officers.

Figures from Public Health England show one in five people with HIV still go undiagnosed.

Expert Opinion

“Like many illnesses and diseases, early diagnosis of HIV is vital to ensure patients are given the best possible treatment as quickly as possible to prevent it from becoming more advanced. <br/> <br/>“There is no room for complacency with such a serious disease as failing to diagnose and treat it can result in increased suffering and even an early death for the carrier. <br/> <br/>“Given the shocking statistics that one in five people in England with HIV still go undiagnosed, we expected to see a better sign up to the education programme which aims to raise awareness of the risks of the disease. <br/> <br/>“Steps must be taken to improve the care and support offered to HIV sufferers by doctors to ensure they are treated appropriately and given the best quality of life possible.” <br/> Lisa Jordan - Partner