Who we are

Over 3,000 patients regularly attend our HIV service. Our patients come from diverse cultures and heritage; over a quarter of our patients are women and more than half are gay men aged 17-87. As HIV treatments and management become more successful, our patients are living longer, healthier lives. We know that over 90% of patients on established antiviral treatment at the Ian Charleson Day Centre have undetectable 'viral loads' (the measure of the number of viral particles present in the bloodstream).

We have a large and experienced multi-disciplinary team to support the diverse needs and range of patients we see. Our clinicians come from diverse medical specialities including sexual health, chest medicine, and infectious diseases, and many of our staff, which includes doctors, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists and administration staff, have worked in the department for around 20 years. Between our staff members many European, African and other languages are spoken.

We run specialist consultant-led clinics within the department, including in viral hepatitis, TB (tuberculosis), cardiology, renal disease, neurology, rheumatology, chronic fatigue, lipid disorders, AIN (anal intraepithelial neoplasia), gynaecology and psychiatry. If hospital admission is required we have a dedicated HIV ward and in-patient team.

Our department has access to a range of clinical trials including those for new antivirals, primary HIV infections and questionnaire based studies with a dedicated research team. We provide specialist clinics for women including obstetric and gynaecological care and have a variety of means to access an STI screening service. We have 'express' and e-clinics for stable patients on ARV (antiretroviral), led by both doctors and nurses.

We have a ‘reach’ clinic for patients with complex needs, who may struggle with attendance and adherence to medication, and the clinic has strong links with community support organisations, a peer-support worker and an active patient user group.