Scolding nurses blight clinic visits
I am writing as a patient of the Kobler Centre at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital for some years. With few exceptions, I have found the doctors, receptionists, pharmacists and phlebotomists extremely helpful and sympathetic. The only exception has been the nurses. At times I have found them at worst scolding, and at best unhelpful. This is in sharp contrast to their colleagues on the inpatient ward for whom nothing seems too much trouble. Examples include a negative attitude, over-enthusiastic triaging (making access to doctors difficult) and denying access to results. This flies in the face of their stated policy of respect for patient autonomy. I have no wish to change treatment centre and do not wish to complain directly as I am in a vulnerable position. Perhaps this will strike a chord with other more articulate patients and some meaningful dialogue could take place to help improve the situation.
Name and address supplied
Who said it was impossible?
I am a former PN volunteer infected in 2001 who has finally found a job. Thanks to Barbara Disney, manager of Tower Hamlets social services commissioning department around physical disability, I have found employment as HIV monitoring officer and service users' involvement development worker. A pre-requirement was that the person appointed should know about the charity environment and HIV and be an HIV positive person. Barbara Disney has an extensive and comprehensive knowledge about HIV and physical disabilities and was willing to give a chance to someone living with the virus after many years working in this area. This is a great example of what can and should be done in the employment sector in order to de-stigmatize HIV. This is also a good example of the hard work done by Positive Futures in helping the re-employment of those living with HIV. I want to say thank you to the support provided by UKC and Barbara Disney for this fantastic opportunity.
Franck, London
Beauty clinic bigotry
I am writing because of an incident of severe HIV prejudice and ignorance.
Much is being made of a new permanent hair removal treatment Aculight which
uses intense light to destroy large areas of hair follicles. Unhappy being
a hairy bear, I went to my nearest Aculight operator, the Beauty Clinic, in
Portsmouth, eager to start treatment. The clinic seemed happy to take my money
until we got to the 'any other conditions' part of the questionnaire.
The manageress claimed Aculight had told her that HIV positive clients could not be treated as HIV treatment would make the hair grow back. It sounded very unlikely so I asked my consultant who dismissed it as total rubbish. Later I spoke to an Aculight technician directly who told me that with any life-threatening condition, their policy was that as long as they had letter of consent from a consultant, they could treat that person. I feel the beauty clinic deliberately misled me. I have also been turned down by other Aculight operators. And when I underwent a toning course on my stomach at the same clinic (a non-invasive procedure with no blood contact at all) the pads used on me were wrapped in cellophane and stamped "Matt's pads. Do not use". I would like to hear from other people who have experienced beauty salon bigotry to name and shame the perpetrators and hopefully educate those willing to be educated. May the forum commence.
Matt Dean, Southampton
A fact so strong it can change perceptions
I have just received PN and must congratulate Martin Flynn on his excellent article on HIV and money (PN July/August). It's the best I have read in many years. I was especially pleased to read the Department of Work and Pensions figure that shows only 3,000 people with HIV currently receive DLA. This fact is so strong that it can change perceptions. Please repeat it again in Positive Nation. I remember when gay men would openly discriminate against each other for being HIV positive. Today gay men openly discriminate against HIV positive people on health related benefits. Your information has helped to banish the benefits myth. Many Thanks
Robin Fielding
Betrayed and disappointed
I am writing to express my disappointment at the way my story was told in Positive Nation (cover feature PN May/June) While happy with the first half of the interview, I was extremely disappointed at the way the second half was edited. Firstly it was not made sufficiently clear that I was infected by someone other than my partner. My partner is now my fiancé and has been incredibly supportive throughout. Secondly, nowhere was it made clear that I was diagnosed fairly recently - only a couple of years ago in fact. Finally, I felt the second half of the interview was edited in such a way that removed all the emotion I had expressed during the interview. It left me sounding like a heartless, unfeeling person - which is far from the truth. It took a lot of guts on my part to speak out in the pages of PN and I had hoped the interview would boost my confidence and enable me to speak out more in future. Instead, I have been left feeling betrayed and extremely wary of speaking to anyone about it ever again.
JoH Cole, London
Wake up all you straight lads
A year ago I became so seriously ill, I was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with advanced Aids. My viral load had hit astronomical heights and my CD4 count was four. At the time I had no idea what all this meant and when my doctor told me I had PCP I was completely lost. I was a 'Jack the Lad' who spent all my spare time drinking, popping pills and sleeping around with as many women as possible. I had subscribed 100 per cent to the 'that-will-never-happen-to-me' school of thought. Things like that only happened to gay men and drug users. Well here's a big wake up call to all you straight lads out there: HIV is here and its here to stay. This disease doesn't give a damn about sexual orientation. Luckily I responded well to treatment. My viral load is now undetectable and my CD4 count is up to 146. I appreciate life more after it was nearly taken away. I no longer abuse my body, the drink and the drugs have gone, and I have been celibate for well over a year now, but would love some love in my life. So any poz ladies out there, please get in touch.
Mike, by email
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