A LOTHIAN nurse has picked up a top award in recognition of the work she does to help care for people with HIV.

 

Ann Chiswick received the Gilead/National HIV Nurses Association Nursing Award for the significant contribution she makes to the care and management of people living with HIV.

 

For the past 20 years, Ann has worked as a Nurse Practitioner in the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit (RIDU) at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

 

Ann set up the adherence support service to help patients with HIV decide, in conjunction with medical staff, when the time is right to take antiretroviral treatment. Antiretroviral therapy is medication for the treatment of HIV.

 

Once patients start undergoing therapy, Ann provides support and advice about managing side effects.

 

As part of the service, Ann runs her own nurse-led clinics, and offers telephone support to patients.

 

Ann was put forward for the award by her colleagues at the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, and it was presented at the National HIV Nurses Association Conference in Glasgow at the end of June.

 

Speaking after the conference, Ann said: “I am very grateful to have received this award. I feel that it reflects the work and commitment of the whole team at the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, with whom I work.”

 

Sheila Morris, Research Co-ordinator of the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit at the Western General, and Chair of the National HIV Nurses Association, presented Ann with her award during the conference.

 

She said: “I was honoured to present the award. Ann has been an immense support to patients attending our clinic. The staff at RIDU are pleased that all her hard work has been recognised“

 

 

Issued: 22.07.08

Aileen Cowden

NHS Lothian Communications

0131 536 9315

 

 

Notes for editors:

·        The aim of this award is to recognise a nurse working within the field of HIV, who through his or her practice has made a significant or unique contribution to the care and management of people living with HIV.