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INSIght News

HIV in Tameside and Glossop

posted: 15/09/2010

George House Trust has completed a HIV Needs Assessment for Tameside and Glossop. It involved a survey and discussions with local people with HIV, a detailed study of the HIV statistics and use of treatment, community and social services. Key prefessionals involved in providing services were interviewed and a report with recommendations has been passed to Tameside & Glossop Primary Care Trust and Tameside Metropolitan Council. The Tameside and Glossop Needs Assessment is to assist HIV service planning and development.

There are significant changes that will be affecting the NHS, Tameside Adult Care, the AIDS Support Grant, and funding challenges, all of which mean the context for this assessment has many uncertainties.
 

Generally Working Well

Health, social and community care for Tameside & Glossop residents with and affected by HIV are generally well regarded and working well.
 

There are 157 residents of Tameside and Glossop known to be living with HIV, who were receiving HIV care in 2009. Around one quarter to one third of people with HIV do not yet know this; the total HIV population is likely to be around 210.
 

Survey and number crunching

30 people (20% of people living with HIV in the district) took part in an online and paper survey, others attended a focus group, and interviews with key professionals built on the findings from detailed analysis of the published statistical data and records of service use.
 

Prejudice, Stigma and Discrimination

The challenge that people with HIV face is that HIV is a long-term incurable condition that evokes strong prejudice and discrimination among others, and that bears disproportionately on sections of the community that are already marginalised. The HIV prejudice and discrimination is what makes accessing most services and resolving most of life’s challenges far more complex for people with HIV.
 

Challenges

Some of the challenges for Tameside and Glossop service providers and commissioners are 

  • HIV among injecting drug users has become over-looked and there is a gap in HIV awareness, prevention and support services that risks further HIV transmissions. 
  • Late diagnosis of HIV is a problem across North West England, and Tameside and Glossop has among the worst rates in England. 
  • The proportion of older people (over 50 years) with HIV, who usually have more complex needs, is relatively high in Tameside & Glossop and is set to grow significantly, from around 19% to nearly half within the next ten years. 
  • Children’s Social Work and Safeguarding Children Board needs to change their practice, to support and protect vulnerable young people with HIV. 
  • Better co-ordination and strategic planning for HIV health and social care is required.
  • Existing social care services have much to offer that would meet the needs of people with HIV locally. Outreach social services need to become HIV aware, accessible and HIV-friendly and be actively promoted to people with HIV.

 


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