Most of us have our HIV monitored and treated at a specialist hospital clinic. We are usually treated as outpatients - in other words, we don’t stay in the hospital overnight.

HIV clinics are “open access”. This means that you don’t need a referral from your GP (family doctor) or anyone else to use one. You can simply phone up and ask to register as a patient. You choose which HIV clinic to use. To get details of HIV clinics in your area call THT Direct (0845 12 21 200) or go to www.tht.org.uk.

Regular appointments with your doctor will be used to keep an eye on your health, especially the results of your blood tests. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you have about HIV. If you see the same doctor regularly, you’ll have a better chance of building up a good relationship.

“Your doctor can answer any questions you have about HIV.”

It’s a basic rule that medical information should be kept confidential. This means that nobody can be given information about your health or see your medical records without your permission. The HIV clinic will not pass on information to government agencies or to members of your family.

In fact, confidentiality rules are stricter for HIV than for other conditions. Because of this, your GP (family doctor) will not be told that you have HIV, unless you give permission.

On the other hand information may be shared within the team at the HIV clinic. Also, if your HIV doctor sends you for tests or treatment in another hospital department, the staff you see will normally know that you have HIV. This is mostly so that the right decisions about treatment can be made.

Clinic staff are not just there to deal with a virus. Many parts of our lives can make a difference to our health, and clinic staff are often able to help.

If you’ve just found out that you have HIV, it’s possible that you are feeling confused and upset. The clinic should have health advisers and psychologists who can talk to you about things that are on your mind, and to help you to find a way forward. These staff will be available later on, too.

If you want to understand more about HIV or about treatments, you can talk to your doctor or a nurse specialist (a senior nurse). If you’re taking treatments, the pharmacists can give specific advice for the drugs you’re taking.

Practical problems like housing, money and immigration can get in the way of looking after our health. The clinic may be able to put you in contact with social workers who can help.

As well as the help from your clinic, there are many other services available for people with HIV.

They may be provided by:

• local HIV groups
• charities, including Terrence Higgins Trust
• the social services department of your local council.

You should be able to get information and advice on everything from treatments to housing. Practical help may be available if you’re ill.

Or you may just want to talk to someone about what you’re going through.

There may be support groups where you can meet other people with HIV. It may be reassuring to talk to other people who are in a similar situation, or to meet people who have had HIV for several years and are living well. The services available vary from place to place.

To find out what’s available in your area go to www.tht.org.uk or call THT Direct (0845 12 21 200).