In October 2023, the national HIV Stigma Campaign launched. Its tv ad was the first major new TV advert on HIV to air in Scotland since the UK Government’s ‘Don’t Die of Ignorance’ campaign featuring falling tombstones aired 40 years ago. It was a decades overdue update on the huge medical progress in the fight against HIV.
In 1987 the advert’s message was ‘it’s a deadly disease and there’s no known cure’, while this new campaign explains how an HIV diagnosis has transformed since then by highlighting ‘you can live a healthy, happy life just like anyone else’.
The film is informed by Scottish Government funded research from YouGov into attitudes and beliefs about HIV in Scotland and produced by Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.
New research has found worryingly low levels of knowledge about HIV. Just one third (35%) of people in Scotland would be happy to kiss someone living with HIV, despite it being known since the 1980s that HIV can’t be passed on through saliva.
The data also shows almost half (46%) of people in Scotland would be ashamed to tell other people they were HIV positive – demonstrating just how stigmatised a condition HIV remains today.
A lack of knowledge about how much progress has been made in the fight against HIV in the last 40 years is also clear in the data, with just a third of Scots aware that people living with HIV and on effective treatment can’t pass it on to partners.
The film features four powerful depictions of HIV stigma based on real experiences of people living with HIV in Scotland, including a father pulling his hand away after his daughter says she’s HIV positive and a nurse putting on a second pair of gloves during a hospital appointment.
The film concludes with the message that stigma is more harmful than HIV to encourage all of those watching to think about their role in perpetuating stigma and impacting the lives of people living with HIV.
Last year, the number of heterosexuals newly diagnosed with HIV was higher than in gay and bisexual men in Scotland for the first time in 15 years, according to the latest data from Public Health Scotland. Which is why it is important for everyone to know the realities of HIV and remove barriers to getting tested.
Alongside providing up-to-date information about HIV, the campaign aims to tackle the stigma still surrounding the virus.
The reason why stigma is now more harmful than HIV is because of the huge medical progress in treating HIV. Treatment works by suppressing levels of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels, which means the immune system is protected from damage and HIV cannot be passed on to partners. But a lack of knowledge about this progress fuels stigma, negatively impacts people living with HIV and makes others too scared to get tested.
The campaign was developed in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Public Health Scotland, University of Strathclyde, Waverley Care, Our Positive Voice and Scottish Drugs Forum. It was then produced by award-winning Scottish agency Stand, which was behind Police Scotland’s high profile ‘Don’t Be That Guy’ campaign to reframe the conversation on sexual violence and male sexual entitlement. It’s hoped this new campaign will result in important discussions about the realities of HIV today.
For more information about HIV and wo watch the campaign video visit www.hivstigma.scot
The NHSGGC Campaign 2013 to 2018
The campaign focused on challenging and changing the knowledge, skills and attitudes NHSGGC staff have towards people living with HIV. The campaign consisted of marketing and resources such as posters and leaflets, interviews with HIV+ people and specialist staff in staff magazines, road shows to major NHSGGC sites and a host of other initiatives. All this has been created through working directly and collaboratively with people who are living with HIV. Thomas, a Brownlee Patient Forum member had this to say about it:
“This work is vital as HIV+ people can experience stigma, in some shape or form, sometimes on an almost daily basis. What we are doing is innovative, it’s exciting and a totally different approach from anything I have never seen anywhere in the NHS. It shows that NHSGGC are taking this issue seriously and they are determined to eradicate stigma in whatever form it takes. The approach taken by the Board to do this has to be applauded.”
One of the key driving forces throughout the whole campaign has been local people living with HIV. Their involvement and direction has led to the creation of two very innovative pieces of work.
The Brownlee HIV Patient Forum felt strongly that, in addition to the staff-facing campaign, something should be done to support patients to help them to challenge stigma and discrimination. Often described as ‘the look’ a ‘gut feeling’ or by ‘recognising the anxiety’ in the other person, they suggested that empowering patients to effectively challenge this directly was required.
They created a booklet titled ‘HIV Stigma – A resource for people living with HIV when attending healthcare services’. It uses examples and scenarios and suggests ways that these situations might be resolved. View or download the PDF booklet.
You can subscribe to the mailing list for more details on this and other work the Forum does please email ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot.
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One of the key driving forces throughout the whole campaign has been the Brownlee patients themselves. Their involvement and direction has led to the creation of two innovative pieces of work.
HIV stigma… what’s all the drama?
When exploring and developing ideas to tackle HIV Stigma the Brownlee HIV Patient Forum suggested that drama might be an excellent way to reflect and validate HIV+ people’s lived experiences. Collaborating with Scottish Youth Theatre we have produced four short dramatic scenes that were developed by a BAFTA award winning writer and Brownlee Centre patients.
All the dramatic clips and one detailing how we developed them can be found on the YouTube videos below.
HIV Stigma 1: Prejudice
HIV Stigma 2: Stigma
HIV Stigma 3: Sharps
HIV Stigma 4: HorribleIV
HIV Stigma 5: Collaboration
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Have you experienced or seen HIV stigma or discrimination taking place within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) health services? Have you or someone else been treated differently or with a lack of respect because you/they are living with HIV? If you have we want to hear about your experience.
This could be any health service in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, we hope and probably not related to HIV care. It could have happened any time in the last 3 years.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember all the details just tell us as much as you can.
Collecting these experiences helps us to work together to ensure people living with HIV are treated with the dignity, compassion and respect that all patients in NHSGGC can expect.
There are several ways to feedback the experience:
Discuss with the service/clinician
We advise that in the first instance, you speak to the person or team responsible if you are not happy with your treatment, or the treatment of someone you care about. For example, this can the nurse in charge of a ward, or the practice manager at a GP surgery.
We have developed a stigma reporting form [REDEVELOP THE FORM IN M365 FORMS] that the peer support engagement manager views so they can support you. They will contact you if the contact details have been completed however you can complete the form anonymously.
It is important to note that if you do not give contact details you will not receive a direct response to the specific issues you raise, however your comments will be used to drive forward change.
Anonymously tell your story on Care Opinion
Patients and families can use Care Opinion site to provide anonymous feedback about their experiences. The incidents are reviewed by the Patient Experience and Public Involvement Team at NHSGGC who will feedback incidents to service managers. You will receive a response from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Feedback to Patient Experience Public Involvement Team (PEPI)
You can give feedback whether good or bad, in a confidential user friendly way to the NHS GGC Patient Experience Public Involvement Team. You simply complete the form found on the NHS GGC website with as much information as you can and the PEPI team will make sure this goes to the right services. It is that you will not receive a direct response to the specific issues you raise, however your comments will be used to drive forward change.
The advice is that you speak to the person or team in the first instance and then escalate if you are not happy with the outcome. The complaints team can help you to do this if you need help. They can give you advice about where to get independent help in making your complaint.
The e at the end of Brownlee HIVe stands for engaged and this is about the services that are led by patients, or the opportunities for patients to be more involved and have a say in how services are delivered.
Above all the Brownlee HIVe services aim to connect people living with HIV to share what it’s like living positively.
Brownlee HIVe Patient Forum
The Brownlee HIV Patient Forum is a safe space where patients attending the Brownlee Centre can discuss HIV-related issues and challenges affecting their lives.
The focus is on HIV treatment, care and associated programmes within NHSGGC. The Forum provides a way for patients to formally communicate with the Health Board and they provide input and consultation on the delivery of local services.
They work hard to ensure as wide a range of patients are consulted and have their say about the services they receive. They also want to encourage and empower patients to make better healthcare choices.
If you’d like to participate in the Forum or find out more about it you can email us at ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot. Alternatively you can ask any member of staff when you are next at the Brownlee.
Peer Support
“I have hope for the first time (since diagnosis). It feels less traumatic. They really understood me.”
– Brownlee Patient
Many people have questions surrounding their diagnosis, treatment or other issues related to living with HIV. Unless they know someone else living with HIV they often struggle to speak to someone who really understands things from their perspective.
The Peer Support Project provides a confidential environment for one HIV positive individual to meet with another more experienced HIV patient, who will listen to your concerns and fears and share what it’s like living positively.
The service is open to all current HIV positive patients in NHSGGC, regardless of how long they have been diagnosed, and who could benefit from speaking to another person living with HIV. This could be related to issues such as; shock of diagnosis, stigma, relationships, disclosure, work, social isolation, beginning treatment and other constraints or questions a person might have related to living with HIV.
“I was cynical…I did not expect the impact meeting the peer has had. It has changed my outlook totally.”
Brownlee Patient
To access Peer Support, or find out more about the service, get in touch with us:
Alternatively, you can ask any member of staff when you are next at the Brownlee.
Peer Volunteers
Peer Volunteers are HIV positive people who attend the Brownlee Centre for their own treatment and care. They have valuable first-hand experience of the physical, psychological and emotional support needs that others with HIV might face. After training, they are able to share their knowledge and experience to support, and build confidence in others living with HIV.
To meet with a Peer Volunteer or if interested in becoming a Peer Volunteer yourself, get in touch.
Alternatively, you can ask any member of staff when you are next at the Brownlee.
Seminars & Events
Regular seminars and events with the content determined by people living with HIV, take place throughout the year. Previous topics have included the basics of HIV, HIV and the law and ageing with HIV.
These free, informal sessions are a way to connect with others, learn more about HIV and speak directly to the experts. You can register for future events by emailing us at ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot or alternatively you might want to get in touch with an idea for a seminar.
You will see a range of staff when you come to the Brownlee Clinic for your appointments. Every HIV patient has a named consultant physician (doctor) and a specialist nurse allocated to them when they are diagnosed and referred. Most routine appointments are with the nursing and medical staff. You might see one of the department’s speciality doctors instead of the consultant at some of your visits. Each person’s care is closely monitored by their consultant and in addition to the medical management of your HIV there is a wide range of other staff on hand including:
The Brownlee Centre is named after Dr John Brownlee who was born on 21st June 1868 in Rutherglen. Originally a student of mathematics and natural philosophy at the University of Glasgow, he graduated with first class honours in 1889. He then went on to study medicine and qualified as a doctor in 1897. By 1914 he had established a reputation as a public health officer and an expert in infectious diseases.
Little is known of John Brownlee’s personal life. He was described as a likeable, somewhat eccentric man who had various quirks that endeared him to his friends. He died suddenly from bronchopneumonia in 1927 aged 59 years.
In 1951 at Ruchill hospital, the initial site of HIV care in Glasgow, a Research Laboratory was named after him to honour his work on infectious diseases. The hospital was closed in 1998 when the Brownlee Centre opened at Gartnavel General Hospital.
The Brownlee Centre officially opened on the 22nd of June 1998 at a time when combination therapy had radically changed the outlook and life expectancy for people living with HIV. However, planning took place three years before this, at a time when there was little effective treatment for HIV, and most people still died from their infection. As a result, the out-patient department was designed to manage a maximum of about 400 HIV+ patients at any one time.
Since 1996, treatment has become very effective and the number of deaths related to HIV in the UK, and Glasgow, is very small. Now there are approximately 2,000 people attending the Brownlee Centre for HIV care. So if you ever find yourself thinking the waiting room seems a bit small, then it’s worthwhile considering why.
Here you will find information for people living with HIV who are attending the Brownlee Centre for their treatment and care. The information on this page is intended to help you with managing your HIV. However; if you have any issues or concerns about your HIV then please get in touch with the clinic.
HIV Treatment
Treatment for HIV involves taking a combination of anti-HIV (antiretroviral) drugs. This treatment has a very powerful anti-HIV effect and stops the virus from reproducing. This allows the immune system to strengthen and fight infections effectively.
To get the most benefit from your HIV treatment, you need to take it as prescribed, every day. This is often called “Adherence” or “Compliance”.
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The only way to know if you have HIV is to have a test. Everyone in Scotland, including refugees and asylum seekers, can access free and confidential HIV testing. HIV treatment and care is available from the National Health Service.
An HIV test can only tell you about your HIV status. It cannot tell you if your current of previous partners are infected. Other people can only find out if they go for a test themselves.
Who should test for HIV?
You can’t tell by looking at someone if they have HIV so the only way to know is by having a test. You should have a test for HIV, if you have:
had unprotected sex with a man or a woman
ever injected drugs, even if it was a long time ago
had unsterile medical treatment abroad, or treatment in countries where infection control procedures are sub-standard
had tattoos or body piercing in circumstances where infection control procedures are suboptimal
were born or who have lived in a country that has a high prevalence of HIV
Where can I get an HIV test?
Testing is free and confidential in all NHS services. There are a range of places to get a test including:
After someone is infected with HIV, it can take some time for their body to develop antibodies to the virus. It is these antibodies that a test looks for. This is known as the ‘window period’. This means that if you were infected shortly before you have a test, it might not show up. Most of the HIV tests used are very sensitive and will detect HIV one month after someone is exposed, so a negative test is highly likely to be accurate. However, it is recommended that an additional HIV test is offered at 12 weeks to everyone who tests to make sure that they were not in the window period and are not infected.
If you are asked to have a follow-up test, you should take the following precautions while waiting for your second result:
The Brownlee Centre is based at the Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow. The Brownlee Clinic looks after approximately 2000 people living with HIV infection, as well as many people with other medical conditions. The Kantilal Sleep Investigation Unit is also based at the Brownlee Centre. All adult outpatient HIV care in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is based here and is free of charge. Paediatric HIV services are delivered at the Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow.
To change an appointment, to cancel an appointment or to leave a routine message with any member of staff please call the Brownlee Clinic Reception on 0141 211 1074 or 0141 232 2175.
If you feel unwellor are in need of urgent medical help: please contact your GP or NHS 24 (PHONE 111). If necessary, they will contact staff at the Brownlee Centre for specialised medical advice.
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