I feel unwell, what do I do?

If you are unwell/taken sick your first telephone should be to your GP.  If the GP surgery is closed, telephone NHS 111. If you are advised to go to an Accident and Emergency department (A&E) and you cannot get yourself to hospital, telephone 999 for an ambulance which will take you to the nearest Emergency Department. It is important to tell the paramedics your HIV status.

You should take your medication with you, including your HIV treatment.  This is so that you will not be given anything that is harmful to your treatment and so that you do not miss taking your medication if you are admitted.  Whatever reason you are admitted for, your health will not improve if you miss taking your antiretroviral medication.

If the doctors looking after you want to stop your antiretroviral medications, they must discuss with one of us first.

I need a clinic letter

The clinic needs at least two weeks’ notice to provide letters or other written information. Letters can be requested from the medical secretaries on 0208 138 2335 / 0208 138 2342 or email barking.administrators@nhs.net

I am going to travel overseas, what do I need to consider?

Before arranging travel abroad, please consider if you are well enough to travel and does your HIV consultant agree you are fit to travel?  Will travel fit around your appointments? 

For example, if you have just started taking medication you will be seen regularly in clinic and you may not be able to manage any side effects while you are away. 

Ensure your appointments fall before and after you travel or re-arrange your appointments, including blood tests, around your travel dates. Let your HIV consultant know your travel plans in advance so adequate medication can be provided for you.  

Make sure you have enough medication to cover your trip, plus a little extra in case you are delayed. Arrange for a further supply of medication if necessary. This may mean contacting pharmacy before you go away.

When you return to the UK you will need to isolate according to UK government guidance. Please take this into account when arranging follow up appointments. If you have been told to isolate you cannot attend this clinic.