Our team

HIV Specialist Pharmacists

Our specialist pharmacists working in the HIV clinic support patients with taking their HIV treatment safely and effectively. The HIV pharmacists work for the adult and paediatric services, which includes prescribing pharmacists within the team.

Modern treatment means that people with HIV can have a normal life expectancy and quality of life. Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment is usually easy to take and well tolerated. That said, the success of ARV treatment depends on the individual taking their tablets reliably without missing any doses and at a regular time. This is known as ‘adherence’ and ensures that the medication remains effective. The pharmacy team are here to help patients with adherence to their ARVs to ensure successful treatment.

Before an individual starts therapy they will attend a pharmacist-led ‘Start’ clinic which aims to educate the patient about ARV treatment and adherence. Together with the patient, the different treatment options will be considered in relation to their blood results, lifestyle, diet and any other relevant factors which will affect choice of therapy. The session aims to give the patient an opportunity to be involved in the decision making process as well as address any concerns which they have regarding starting treatment.

For patients already taking ARV treatment, the HIV pharmacists are available to offer advice regarding their current therapy. There are many important drug interactions between ARV’s and other medications whether they are prescribed by the patients GP, bought from a chemist or even herbal products. The pharmacists will be able to advise whether or not another medication is safe to take with their ARV treatment.

The pharmacists can offer continuing adherence support to patients, whether it be practical considerations of taking tablets or helping with motivation to take medication long term.

HIV Clinical Nurse Specialists

When you join Heartlands HIV Service you will be supported by a clinical nurse specialist who will remain your named nurse whilst you are a patient with us. Having a named nurse specialist will support continuity of care.

Clinical nurse specialists possess in-depth knowledge about HIV and have lots of experience in supporting patients whose needs may be physical, psychological, social or emotional.

We aim to provide first class, individualised care, working closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team, striving to provide you with a seamless service.

We understand that for many individuals, living with HIV can be a challenge; however, we also know that those challenges can be met, and often overcome with appropriate support. Clinical nurse specialists can offer support in a variety of ways, this might be within the outpatient department, on a ward, in your own home if appropriate or simply by telephone.

It is important you are involved in decision-making about your care and if required, your clinical nurse specialist can support and empower you to achieve this.

On your behalf, clinical nurse specialists will collaborate with other colleagues to promote research and development in order to provide you with an innovative service. An example of this is virtual clinic, a telephone consultation service that has been developed to reduce the frequency of clinic visits for stable patients.

Health Advisors and Sexual Health Team

We are a team of specialist health advisors and a clinical nurse specialist in Sexual Health, who work within the HIV service at Heartlands Hospital.

Within our team of six, our nurses and health advisor support staff will support both the adult and paediatric cohort with many aspects of your care. We work collaboratively with the wider HIV team at Heartlands, delivering a seamless service to keep you happy and healthy as you navigate your way through life living with a long-term health condition.

We aim to provide high quality, individualised care to ensure all aspects of your sexual health and well-being needs are met. From your initial diagnosis, we are here to support you and navigate all elements of living with a HIV diagnosis. This could involve disclosing your diagnosis to your family or loved ones, to regular STI screening and treatment when necessary, as we are dedicated to empowering you to having a healthy and safe sex life.

We understand that for many individuals, living with HIV can be a challenge; however, we also know that those challenges can be met, and often overcome with appropriate support. We work closely with you to offer a holistic package of care within the Heartlands HIV service, but also with our external partners who can offer specialist care that you may need at some point in your HIV journey. We provide both face to face and telephone consultations for ease and accessibility.

Each consultation is patient led, and we give you the necessary time and opportunity to discuss your feelings and concerns that may arise from your HIV status. As a team, whether you are newly diagnosed, transferring your HIV care or have been a patient of Heartlands HIV service for many years, we are here for you as and when you need us.

Dietitians

Your dietitian works with the multidisciplinary team to optimise your care.

You can obtain advice on your nutritional requirements from your dietitian. Our Specialist dietitians can:

• give you advice about any changes in your diet that you may need to make
• check your body weight and make sure that your proportion of fat to muscle is appropriate
• advise you on any dietary changes you may need to make if you are ill
• give you advice on food safety
• make sure your diet is fulfilling all your individual nutritional requirements
• give you advice about your diet if you are experiencing metabolic changes due to your HIV treatment
• regularly check your body weight and ensure that the proportion of fat to muscle is appropriate
• advise you on any dietary changes you may need to make if you become ill
• help you avoid food poisoning
• offer advice on symptom control, such as how to manage changes in taste caused by medication
• give advice for managing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidaemia (high levels of fat in the blood) and poor absorption of food
• give advice on your nutritional requirements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
• help you identify and manage any food allergies and intolerances
• advise you on your nutrition needs based on your exercise levels or sporting activity
• provide information and advice on the use of vitamins and minerals and complementary therapies

Our dietitians can assess muscle and fat distribution. If these tests are done regularly your dietitian may be able to spot changes in weight and body composition before you do. However, you may be the first to notice changes in your weight or body shape – for instance, if your clothes become too loose or tight. These may be important times to talk to your dietitian about making changes to your diet or exercise.

Your dietitian will also be supporting students and staff in their training and development in addition to developing the HIV dietetic service.

Having HIV should not mean making too many changes to your diet. As long as you consume a healthy, balanced diet, you should be able to get all of the vitamins, minerals and energy you need to maintain your weight and nutrition.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists within the HIV team support you with living with a long-term condition. They help you to live, not exist.

Occupational therapists provide support through:

• helping to improve your sense of wellbeing and control
• helping you do the activities that matter to you
• putting you at the centre of their intervention
• helping you set and achieve your goals/aims
• helping with barriers that affect your emotional, social, and physical needs
• helping you if you have difficulties carrying out day-to-day activities because of a disability, illness, trauma, ageing and a range of long-term conditions
• considering your strengths, abilities, and health care needs