HIV Medicine

HIV Medicine Service


The North Bristol NHS Trust HIV Service is based at Southmead Hospital, Bristol.


An HIV test can be done in many different healthcare settings, including at the GP or Bristol Sexual Health Centre. Early diagnosis and treatment has many health benefits. Where there are particular concerns around HIV testing, our team would be happy to discuss this.


Where patients are known to be HIV positive they should be referred to the HIV specialist nurses via email at brecon.nurses@nhs.net, which is also our preferred route for non-urgent HIV related queries.


If there are patient HIV related queries for the HIV team at North Bristol NHS Trust (Southmead) then we would prefer that patients email brecon.nurses@nhs.net, or alternatively phone 0117 414 6400 if they cannot email.


For confidential HIV testing and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening contact the Unity Sexual Health Centre on 0117 342 6900. Patients may order free STI testing kits for home use (if aged 16 or over and living in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire) at their website. For some people it may be more appropriate to get an HIV test in a sexual health clinic.


Acutely ill HIV patients should be discussed with the HIV team or the hospital HIV on-call team for admission, contactable via switchboard at Southmead.


Conditions Treated:
•    Suspected acute HIV infection
•    Post-Exposure Prophylaxis after Sexual Exposure to HIV (PEPSE) - referrals taken from other healthcare providers
•    Chronic HIV infection 


Note this service is only for patients living with HIV and for those referred from other healthcare providers for continuation/discontinuation of PEPSE.


 Appointment Clinic Times are:
 Monday 12.00pm – 4.00pm
 Tuesday 2.00pm – 6.00pm
 Wednesday 12.30pm – 4.30pm
 Thursday 8.00am – 12.00pm
 


HIV Medicine Team

 

Specialty Director


Dr Philip Bright - Lead Clinician
Telephone (secretary): 0117 414 6395

Consultants


Dr Sarah Johnston
Dr Sathish Thomas-Williams
Dr Adele Wolujewicz 
Dr Ed Moran
Dr Ankur Gupta-Wright
Dr Bret Palmer
Dr Sarah Stockwell

 

Pharmacy Team


Jo Latimer (Pharmacist)
Arianwen Denham (Pharmacist)
Lisa Atkins (Pharmacy Technician)

 

Clinical Nurse Specialists/Health Advisors


Liz Williams
Elizabeth Richards
Phoebe Byrne

 

Research Nurses


Louise Jennings - Lead
Malgorzata Slowinska

 

Medical Secretaries: 


Tel: 0117 414 6394
Danielle Coombs
Sharon Hemming
Bozena Zelazowska

 

Administrators


Christina Fletcher
Laura Webb
Chloe Whitlock (Database)

 

Dieticians


Katherine Barker
Kathryn Campbell

 

HIV Medicine Service Useful Links


The team at NAM (National AIDS Manual) produce and distribute accurate, up-to-date and evidence-based resources (printed, electronic, audio and online), covering both the medical and social aspects of HIV, to people living with HIV and to those who work to treat, support and care for them. Visit Aids Map for more information.


A medicines interactions checker is available.


A charity called Brigstowe, based in Bristol, are dedicated to the help of patients living with HIV. As well as lots of information about HIV Brigstowe offer the following to patients living with HIV:


A one-to-one advice and support service
A migrant and asylum service
Group peer support
One-to-one peer support
Clinic peer support
A recently diagnosed workshop


Please contact Brigstowe on 0117 955 5038 or visit Brigstowe for further information, advice and support.

Peer support at clinic is provided by Brigstowe peer mentors to patients living with HIV. These are trained volunteers, also living with HIV, who will meet patients in a safe and confidential space at clinic. They can:
•    Check in with patients about appointments and any concerns patients may have
•    Chat with patients about treatment and managing side effects
•    Be a listening ear
•    Let patients know how Brigstowe can help
•    Share their own experiences and knowledge of living with HIV
•    Share coping strategies


Terence Higgins Trust (THT) is a national HIV and sexual health charity. They support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using their services to achieve good sexual health.

In Bristol the Terrence Higgins Trust provides health promotion and prevention by sharing information and resources and working directly with communities. They also provide health and wellbeing support and work alongside Brigstowe, to support people living with HIV. 
•    Health and well-being groups
•    A women's group
•    One to one support
•    Support over the phone
•    Online counselling


Individuals may access THT themselves or referrals can be made by other agencies (telephone 0117 955 5038 or 0808 802 1221).


Last updated 23/01/2023