HIV in the UK

This book explores the thoroughly human dimension of the health care and prevention responses to the HIV crisis in the UK, and the impact that such initiatives had on the progression of the epidemic. This book presents a compelling account of the unfolding of the epidemic and the initiatives that made all the difference in the care and prevention of HIV in the UK from the early 1980s to the present time. Drawing on interviews with people with HIV, doctors and nurses involved in their care, leaders of AIDS charities, activists, and politicians, it identifies and describes the models of care developed in response to the onset of the HIV epidemic, and its impact on NHS and voluntary organisations. It goes on to explore the political responses, the evolution of HIV stigma, and the personal impact of the early high mortality rates. Finally, it discusses recent organisational changes in the provision of care and prevention services. In doing so, this volume identifies the lessons learnt from the care and prevention of HIV, both in relation to HIV infection and other conditions, such as COVID-19, and discusses future challenges. This book will be of great value to those working in services dealing with HIV, charities, and Clinical Commissioning Groups and GP organisations, as well as social historians and medical sociologists.

Dr Jose Catalan 0000-0003-4636-0012 is a psychiatrist and academic who has held academic posts at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, and as consultant psychiatrist at Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust. His area of interest is the relationship between physical disorders and mental health problems. Dr Barbara Hedge 0000-0002-5637-0516 is a consultant clinical and health psychologist who specialises in difficulties related to HIV and sexual health. She was Director of the Clinical Psychology training programme at the University of Hertfordshire UK, and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Waikato, NZ. Professor Damien Ridge 0000-0001-9245-5958 is Research Director at the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Westminster, specialising in chronic health conditions, and is a practising psychotherapist. He has held research posts at the University of Oxford and City University London.

Part I - Setting the scene: The Chronology of HIV hope and despair 1.The dawning of the HIV epidemic 2.The Horror 3.Slow progress 4.Hope rising and the fallout 5.They think it's all over: 'it's just a chronic illness' Part II - The legacy of HIV and lessons learnt 6.The development of Person-Centred HIV care 7.The Changing Narrative of HIV Death and dying 8.Changing attitudes to sexuality and HIV 9.Prevention: What have we achieved? 10.Conclusions and Future Challenges. Postscript.What can the HIV epidemic tell us about COVID-19? Appendix:The Participants