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Tel: 01752 431124

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Tel: 01752 431124

HIV services

At SHiP we are experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management of all aspects of HIV infection. We work to National HIV standards and guidelines (BHIVA). Call us at SHiP Derriford on 01752 431124 to discuss your needs.

If you are a person living with HIV, updates on how Covid-19 may affect you are available at the links below. In summary:

1. People with CD4 >200 and undetectable on ART are considered at no greater risk than the general population; follow general advice

2. People with CD4 <200, detectable viral load or not on ART may be at higher risk of severe illness; follow general advice

3. People with a CD4 count <50 or opportunistic illness in last 6 months; follow shielding advice for extremely vulnerable

For information about the Covid-19 vaccine, please read this BHIVA statement. We have already communicated with the NHS vaccine coordination centre on your behalf, and you will be assigned to Priority Group 6 or Priority Group 4 as appropriate to your clinical condition. 

** BASHH, BHIVA, HIVPA and NHIVNA statement on management of antiretroviral supplies in preparation for a no-deal Brexit Scenario. **

Sexual Health in Plymouth provides the following HIV services:

HIV Prevention

HIV testing
Information on HIV prevention and safer sex, condoms
STI screening
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Up-to-date information on accessing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and support for those taking it
Support for telling sexual partners about getting tested

 

Care for people living with HIV
  • Antiretroviral treatment and support
  • Care of HIV positive pregnant women
  • Specialist contraception advice and advice on starting a family
  • Sexual Health Screening
  • Telephone advice from HIV nurse specialist
  • Specialist clinics for co-infections such as Hepatitis B and C
  • Psychology services to help adjust to living with HIV

For further information on ‘Patient Knows Best’ patient portal, speak to your HIV clinician or click here.

 

Pharmacy and HIV medications

When you are receiving HIV treatment from SHiP Derriford Hospital a prescription for your medications will be available at your appointment. Medications can then be collected from Lloyds Pharmacy outside by the entrance to Main Outpatients, Monday – Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm.

If you need to pre-order your prescription, please request this via the HIV Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Please Note: If you are running low on medications please contact the clinical nurse specialist or reception (on the main number or via patientsknowbest) as soon as possible to arrange for a new prescription. Ideally contact us well before you have started your last week of tablets.

Before you start any new medications (prescription, ‘over the counter’ or herbal) please check with your clinician to ensure there are no interactions which your HIV drugs.

 

The Eddystone Trust

Apart from medical care and treatment, people living with HIV may need additional support and access to information about living with HIV. The Eddystone Trust provides this support locally. They offer a range of services which include:

  • One to one support with a Community Worker on a range of issues including finances, housing, relationships, disclosure, or medication adherence
  • Guidance and practical support on how to access clinical services
  • Peer Support – talking to people in similar circumstances · Condoms by post – a discreet condom delivery service suppyling safer sex resources to your home
  • Volunteering opportunities – for people with HIV who would like to help others in similar situations

For more information or to get in touch with Eddystone Trust call 01752 254406.

Useful information: