No-one can doubt that the world of HIV is one in which change is an everyday event. Changes in treatment options, changes in the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS, and changes in attitude, whether they be for the good or bad, seem to happen on an almost everyday basis.

However, one area that has appeared to remain relatively unchanged for a long time has been the way in which patient services have been delivered by their local Hospital Trust, ….until now.

There is good news, for our readers in the North of the county at least , that things may be about to change.

Positive Lives is delighted to inform them that a very positive step forward has been made by their local Hospital Trust. They have commissioned a team of top clinicians from the Royal College of Physicians to take an in-depth look at the way in which patient care is undertaken in North Staffordshire, to ensure that the services currently being offered continue to be some of the best in the country.

Positive Lives is particularly impressed by the fact that this review is being done with the help of not only the clinical staff and employees of the hospital, but also with direct input from patients who receive treatment at this hospital.

We see this as a way of working which will highlight areas of excellence as well as areas needing improvement or review, and reflect the changing needs of people living with HIV in the North of the county.

We expect the report to take a few months to be completed but are confident that the findings will be acted upon and result in better patient care. Rest assured that we will keep you informed of the outcome of the appraisal in future editions of Positive Lives.