The HIV service cares for children and young people living with HIV from across the West Midlands Region.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. It targets white fighter cells in blood, making it difficult to fight even simple coughs and colds.
There are special medicines that can help fighter cells remain strong and keep the HIV virus sleepy. It is important to take these medicines every day to stop the virus getting stronger. Patients will need a blood test every time they visit the clinic to check if the HIV virus is asleep and that fighter cells are staying strong.
It is also important to eat healthy food and get plenty of rest and sleep to help white fighter cells remain strong enough to fight off infections.
Patients being tested for or who are diagnosed with HIV will meet our team in clinic, where we can help with understanding HIV, medication and offer support.
About HIV
It has been proven that someone living with HIV who takes their medicine regularly and has an undetectable virus level cannot pass on HIV to a partner during unprotected sex.
This is known as 'U = U', which stands for undetectable equals untransmittible.
You cannot pass on HIV through regular daily contact. This includes through saliva, sweat or urine.
With proper treatment and care, HIV is no longer considered to be a life-threatening or a life-limiting condition, but it is still a life-long condition as there is no 'cure'.
What happens in clinic?
In our clinics you will meet a Consultant, a nurse, a health advisor and a support worker. They will talk to you about HIV, what it means, your treatment options and help you to understand how you can stay healthy. If additional support is needed we can refer you to different services including Psychology.
Our discussions in clinic and your treatment plans are shared within our team and with your GP to ensure you are receiving the best care, but it is your choice who else this is shared with. Your personal and medical information is confidential.
Meet the team
- Dr Steven Welch, Consultant Paediatrician
- Yvonne Vaughan-Gordon, Paediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (lead nurse for HIV)
- Tiyahna Dennis, Paediatric Staff Nurse
- Nomsa Sibanda, Family Support Worker
- Laura Burd, Family Support Worker
As part of your care you will also meet our health advisor, a pharmacist and a CHIVA support worker when you attend clinic.
Our team has its own psychology support should you need this.
Contact us
For all enquiries, please contact us via phone or email.
Last reviewed: 03 July 2026