HIV

The HIV service at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust provides specialist outpatient care for people living with HIV. Our clinics are based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary within the Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine outpatient department, next to Children’s A&E in the Jarvis Building.

We aim to provide caring, respectful and inclusive support for people living with HIV.

Living with HIV 

HIV is now managed as a long-term condition rather than a life-threatening illness. Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), the standard NHS treatment, is highly effective. With consistent treatment, most people achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, can live full and healthy lives, and do not pass on HIV to sexual partners (U=U).

Regular check-ups at our clinic help make sure your treatment is working well and check for any side effects or problems. We focus on your overall health, including your mental well-being, and support you to live a full and active life.

Services we offer 

We offer confidential, non-judgmental services that focus on both physical health and overall wellbeing, and we strive to create a safe and welcoming environment. 

Our approach includes: 

• evidence-based HIV treatment, regular monitoring, and coordination of care to help patients maintain optimal health and quality of life.
• education, emotional support, and referrals to additional services as needed, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Our multidisciplinary team is made up of Specialist Infectious Diseases Consultants, HIV Clinical Nurse Specialists, HIV Specialist Pharmacists, HIV Specialist Health Advisors, Healthcare Assistants.

HIV specialist clinics

We provide confidential, non-judgemental specialist HIV care focused on physical health and overall wellbeing.

Our HIV Clinics run Monday to Friday. Clinics are located at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, at Jarvis Outpatients department, 1st floor Reception B (opposite children’s A&E). View accessibility information for the clinic.

Every HIV Clinic is supported by HIV Specialist Pharmacists, HIV Clinical Nurse Specialists, HIV Specialist Health Advisors, HIV specialist Health care assistants, and Specialist Infectious Diseases consultants.

HIV Testing

HIV is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people living with HIV in the UK do not know they have it. Without testing:

• People cannot access life-saving treatment.
• HIV may be passed to partners unknowingly.
• Late diagnosis is linked to poorer health outcomes.

Early diagnosis and treatment improve health and life expectancy.

Access to HIV testing in Leicester 

If you would like to get tested for HIV, you can:

• contact your GP.
• attend any sexual health clinic.

Find your nearest sexual health clinic on the NHS website.

Free home testing kits 

You can order a free, discreet and confidential HIV test to your UK home from:

• If you live in a city or a town, you can order free tests from:SH.UK — Free STI / STD Testing & Reproductive Health
• If you live in the country, you can order free tests from:Free Home STI (STD) Test | Sexual Health Kit & Contraception | SH:24

Children and maternity 

We provide specialist advice and support for: 

• pregnancy planning 
• HIV care during pregnancy 
• prevention of mother-to-child transmission 
• paediatric liaison where required 

Please speak to the clinic team for tailored advice. 

Need more medication? 

Running low on medication? We can arrange an emergency one-month supply to cover you until your next appointment. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible so we can help. 

Useful links

• HIV i-Base
• Sexual health – University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust