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INTRODUCTION |
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This website is for the patients of The Courtyard Clinic who have HIV. Its purpose is to be an informative central hub by providing useful information featuring news and events to users of the Courtyard Clinic. We're hoping that it will be a helpful way of providing the latest news and information for those who are not able to attend forums and meetings.
We are keen that this home page will act as a bulletin board of any latest and breaking news.
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ANOTHER GREAT PATIENT FORUM IS COMING!
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28 January 2010
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THE COURTYARD CLINIC'S QUICK PATIENT SURVEY
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24 January 2010
Hey! Look folks! It's not the final results but it is a sneak preview of how the quick survey is going. An impressive 71% of the those who have taken the survey, think the clinic is doing just great! Watch this space for the final results and maybe some of your comments!
If you haven't done the survey already and would like to, then click on the poster below and fill it in online. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes (unless you fancy having a rant!)
Click on any part of the poster to go to the quick survey or click here.
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POSITIVE SELF MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (PSMP)
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 20 January 2010
Living Well's positive self management programme (PSMP) is a peer-led self management programme aimed at people living with HIV.
The PSMP consists of seven weekly sessions of two and a half hours each, followed by an optional weekend. The programme provides participants with skills and techniques to improve and maintain their physical and mental health.
With a supportive group environment, participants work with trained facilitators, most of whom are themselves living with HIV.
Facilitator Training
After completion of the PSMP, participants are given the opportunity to train as facilitators, providing groups with peer leadership and positive role models.
The Weekly Sessions
Each PSMP session helps participants gain greater confidence in coping with HIV by providing them with information that allows them to improve their quality of life.
Mutual support and achievements help build participants' confidence in their ability to effectively manage their health and live active, fulfilling lives.
How to start your PSMP
The programme will benefit anyone living with HIV. To find out more, visit www.livingwelluk.com or contact them on 020 8746 2274, email: admin@livingwelluk.com
The next workshop
Tuesday 16th February - 30th March 2010 - 6pm - 8.30pm
Oasis, 1 Abercrombie Street, Battersea, London, SW11 2JB
(Clapham Junction)
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FIRST POINT AT THE COURTYARD CLINIC
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 20 January 2010
A new service known as First Point has commenced at The Courtyard Clinic.
The service is the "way in" to all the services provided by the South London HIV Partnership and is the place to start to discuss any problems and direct you to the services that can help quickly and efficiently.
The Firs Point service will be run at The Courtyard Clinic every first and third Monday of the month from 9am to 12noon by Sam who can be reached on Tel: 020 7160 0949 or by calling or texting his mobile: 07850 308842 for any further information.
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STAFF PROFILE: HELEN WEBB
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 1 January 2010
We're adding new profiles monthly and it started in October 2009 with Bernard Kelly. November's was Dr Mark. And the latest edition to the Staff Profiles is Helen Webb.
Mark Pakianathan Bernard Kelly Helen Webb
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A QUESTIONNAIRE IF YOU'RE OVER 50
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 5 December 2009
The Terrence Higgins Trust, Age Concern and Help The Aged have teamed up to create an interesting set of questions specifically aimed at those who are 50 years of age or older, resident in the UK and living with HIV. They're keen to find out views and concerns of HIV+ people who are 50 and over. The questionnaire may be completed anonymously or, if you provide details, you'll be entered in to a prize draw for £100 worth of shopping vouchers. Click on the happy pensioners for more information or click here to go straight to the survey.
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NEWFILL CLINIC
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  3 November 2009
FACIAL LIPOATROPHY - a fat wasting from the face. This is associated with antiretroviral therapy in HIV positive patients. Newfill has been regarded as a life-changing treatment for people suffering with HIV related facial lipoatrophy. Click here to learn more.
The picture on the right is from the website: facialwasting.org
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TESTIMONIALS PAGE
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 TELL US WHAT YOU THINK OF IT SO FAR 21 October 2009
We're always keen to receive feedback/comments and of course, wonderful praise. Here's your chance to tell us what you like about this site, maybe how we could improve or anything you'd like included. But remember, any compliments are going to massage Wayne's ego, which to be perfectly honest, is quite big enough thank you... but feel free!
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MEDICAL RESEARCH
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 HIV CLINICAL TRIALS 21 October 2009
Are you interested in taking part in HIV clinical research? If your are currently taking triple-therapy and you have an undetectable viral load, this trial might be right for you. Click here for more.
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THE COURTYARD'S HOME DELIVERY SERVICE
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PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE. You can email us and your story will be included with the others.
We're getting Pharmacy to put together some interesting reasons why the home delivery service is proving advantageous for some patients. In the meantime here's some personal stories from those already using the service. Their views and opinions may be useful for the those who have been contemplating using the home delivery service and help them make up their mind.
<click here for Home Delivery Stories>
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COURTYARD'S GAY MEN'S SERVICE
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 New Gay Men's Service opens at The Courtyard
6 October 2009
A new service has opened at The Courtyard Clinic exclusively for gay men and men who have sex with men. This clinic is open from 7pm - 8.30pm every Monday and men can either drop-in or book an appointment. The staff aim to offer a high quality service and attract men who may not currently attend any clinic, prefer a specialised service or for those who perhaps have to travel to Central London for such a service. In order to ascertain the need for this Gay Men's clinic, the service will initially be for three months and then be evaluated. It is anticipated that at the end of a six month period, a decision will be taken as to whether or not there is sufficient demand to continue with the service.
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SWINE FLU
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21 November 2009
Two Jabs Or One? - Whilst news and updates are changing regularly, the latest information is that if the vaccination you are being given is the Glaxo vaccine (Pandemrix) then you only need it once but if your surgery is using the Celvapan vaccine then you will need to be treated twice, three weeks apart.
It is also suggested that anyone living with someone with HIV should also be vaccinated. The clinic are recommending that you confirm this information when you attend to have your first swine flu jab.
 UPDATED: 20 October 2009
If you think you have Swine Flu, the first step is to telephone the National Pandemic Flu advice line on 0800 1 513 100 - rather than going to the GP surgery. You could pass swine flu to others on the journey or at the GP surgery. Your GP will organise any prescriptions you need if you have Swine Flu. It is better if you tell you GP you have HIV and about any medication you are taking so he/she can provide the best care.
If you do have flu symptoms, it would be advisable not to visit the Courtyard Clinic until you are better to avoid passing it to other patients. Please telephone the clinic should you require a further supply of your HIV medication.
People with HIV are generally no more likely to catch Swine Flu than someone who does not have HIV. However if you do become ill with swine flu, you may be at increased risk of complications.
A vaccine against Swine Flu is being prepared and will be available from Wednesday 21 October 2009, throughout the UK.
It is confirmed that the vaccination programme will operate through GP surgeries, so if you are not registered with a GP, it is important to do so.
For the latest advice on Swine Flu and to see what the symptoms are, please see any of the following websites:
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Official government |
Pandemic flu and map |
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National Health Trust |
NHS Choices - Latest News |
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BBC |
Q&A - Advice about Swine Flu |
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National AIDS Manual |
Swine Flu key facts |
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NHS Direct |
Swine Flu Information Line |
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0800 1 513 513 |
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POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS
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What is PEP? 2 May 2009
Post means after, Exposure means a situation where HIV has a chance to get into someone's bloodstream and Prophylaxis means a treatment to stop an infection happening.
PEP is a treatment that may prevent HIV infection after the virus has entered the body. It would need to be started as soon as possible after unsafe sex or a condom not working and definitely within 72 hours (3 days). It would involve taking anti-HIV drugs for 4 weeks. Note: there are known side effects and it is not guaranteed to work. Here's some typical questions and their answers about PEP.
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LEAFLETS AND USEFUL INFORMATION
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 THT - Terrence Higgins Trust - an excellent source of information
23 April 2009
Take a look at this really useful leaflet to see a great list of useful services that THT have to offer in London. They have access to some really useful information in providing support and advice including definitions of sexually transmitted diseases, where to go to get an HIV test, where to get advice with housing, benefits and immigration issues, help and support for those newly-diagnosed with HIV, as well as many other services.
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 Forgetful? Would you like some help with remembering? 23 April 2009
Do you sometimes find that you have trouble remembering to take your medication or forget when your next appointment is at the clinic? Well, HIV Health Support's new SMS text reminder service can help. Click here for more information and how to sign up.
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PLEASE NOTE: This free hit counter was installed on 22 October 2009 and is not a true reflection of how many hits this website has had since April. It's estimated that the site has been viewed approximately 400-500 times prior to the hit counter being added. |
