About Us
Derriford GU and Eddystone –
Working Together
Providing a complete service has always been the aim of healthcare providers for those who use the NHS, and HIV care is no exception. HIV therapy has transformed the prospects for those living with the disease since the dark days of the 1980s and this has also changed the approach to managing the illness.
I have, in the past, been reluctant to describe HIV infection as chronic because it perhaps belies the difficulties experienced by many – certainly in the early stages of diagnosis. However, it cannot be denied that many people are living, and living well, with HIV.
Since it was set up in the 1980s The Eddystone Trust has provided vital support to those who have been or are affected by HIV. This role has also changed over the years to encompass other illnesses, but also to reflect the improvements in the prospects of those with the disease.
Living longer means perhaps a greater emphasis on lifestyle, whether it is health choices or the prospect of being able to work. These issues affect individuals and their families in a variety of ways.
Eddystone’s unique perspective of client needs is arguably different from that of clinicians, and I feel we not only complement each other but remain closely linked. It is unlikely the need for either of our roles will end soon, but rather evolve further, as they have done over the past 20 odd years. Moving forward together is the only way we will continue to address the needs of our unique client group.
Richard Lillicrap, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Derriford GUM Dept.