HIV Joint Clinics

People living with HIV may develop medical conditions requiring specialist input, especially as they grow older. We have a long established range of clinics in the ICDC where people can be seen by clinicians from a range of other specialities. The close collaboration between the HIV service and these other services means we can ensure the best possible care and expertise for our patients.

HIV and liver clinic
We run a fortnightly specialist clinic for people with HIV and viral hepatitis (B and C). In the clinic, we have a dedicated Fibro Scanner which quickly and painlessly gives more information about the liver and reduces the need for liver biopsies. We provide access to new hepatitis C antiviral treatment as part of the North Central Viral Hepatitis Delivery Network and have access to clinical trials for the treatment of viral hepatitis.

The clinic is run by a multidisciplinary team with specialist nurses and psychologists and access to other hospital services if needed. The team works closely with the liver transplant service at the Royal Free Hospital and can refer patients for liver transplant assessment.

We recognise the increasing importance of non-viral liver disease in HIV patients and are setting up a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease service with access to up and coming therapies.

Tuberculosis (TB)
Our multidisciplinary clinic has extensive experience of managing and treating complex HIV-related infections and diseases caused by TB infection. We offer an integrated specialist service to all patients attending the Royal Free Hospital and also via referral from other treatment centres. We are a designated national centre for the management of drug resistant tuberculosis. Our approach seeks to ensure that people receive care in a holistic manner where any issues and problems associated with diagnosis and treatment are minimised.

AIN clinic
Anal cancer is more common in HIV positive men who have sex with men and we encourage annual screening for this population. By screening, we hope to identify and treat anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) which is the early stage of the disease before cancer develops. Using anoscopy, a special moveable camera, abnormal areas can be identified, biopsied and treated if necessary. The clinic is run by an HIV physician and a colorectal surgeon and patients can directly self-refer to the clinic for screening or can be booked in by their regular HIV consultant.

Reach clinic
Our reach clinic is a weekly multidisciplinary clinic staffed by the lead ICDC clinician, clinical nurse specialists and psychologists. The clinic focuses on patients who find regular attendance and adherence to medication difficult.

HIV and kidney disease
This is a clinic for patients with HIV and kidney disease. A monthly clinic is run jointly by a HIV physician and a renal consultant. They review patients face to face or 'virtually', where results and tests are reviewed without the need for the patient to attend in person. To access this service, you can be referred by your HIV clinician.

HIV and neurology (nervous system)
The HIV and neurology clinic is held twice a month by a consultant neurologist. If you have neurological symptoms you can be referred by your HIV clinician.

HIV and cardiology
Our HIV and cardiology clinic is for people with heart disease and is run by an expert cardiologist and HIV physician. Patients may need additional investigations within this hospital or in other centres of excellence. To access this service, you can be referred by your HIV clinician.

HIV and rheumatology
The HIV and rheumatology clinic runs on alternate months for patients with conditions such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) or arthritis. A consultant rheumatologist runs the clinic and can access treatments and other services in the hospital. To access this service, you can be referred by your HIV clinician.

HIV and lipid (cholesterol) services
The HIV and lipid service is for patients with high blood cholesterol/lipids. A comprehensive lifestyle assessment is offered and advice is given on lifestyle changes. The aim is to reduce the risk of heart disease. Your HIV clinician will refer you to this clinic if required.

Psychiatry clinic
We have a consultant liaison psychiatrist who runs clinics two mornings a week in ICDC. Patients are referred for assessment by their clinicians or psychologists and may be referred to their local psychiatry services or to their GP for further care.

HIV and osteopathy clinic
The HIV and osteopathy clinic is a weekly clinic providing osteopathic care to ICDC patients. The clinic has been operating within the ICDC since January 2004. It was developed after the success of the British Society of Osteopathy’s (BSO) Chapman clinic for patients with HIV, which runs at the BSO clinical centre on Southwark Bridge Road, South East London.

Older people are more prone to muscular, bone and joint problems and osteopathy can be a useful complement to other treatments. Treatment at this clinic is provided by supervised teams of fourth-year British School of Osteopathy degree students. Patients can self-refer or be referred by other health care workers. All appointments are free of charge.

Sage clinic
The Sage clinic is a monthly specialist clinic that aims to promote and support healthy ageing in people with HIV. Conducted in the Ian Charleson Day Centre (ICDC) at the Royal Free Hospital, the multidisciplinary clinic brings together the skills of HIV specialists, geriatricians, and pharmacists to provide a holistic assessment of those with issues relating to comorbidities, polypharmacy, or frailty. Onward referral to other services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or psychology is available if required.