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Holistic HIV Care Services

Holistic HIV Care Services

Location
National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Level 1
16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
Singapore 308442

Contact Information
6357 7000 (NCID Clinic J)


About HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks and destroys a person's CD4 cells, which make up part of the immune system. With a weakened immune system, an HIV infected person is more susceptible to other types of infections, and is also at risk of developing other complications. HIV treatment is highly effective, and enables people living with HIV to lead healthy lives.

At the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), we provide comprehensive care for patients.

 

NCID Outpatient HIV Services

Treatment for HIV
Patients who are diagnosed with HIV infection and referred to NCID will be given an appointment date to see our doctors within 7 days. After a holistic assessment, patients will start on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) to keep the disease under control by reducing the amount of HIV in the body. ART will be initiated as early as possible, with some patients starting on the same day as their first visit (where it is safe and appropriate to do so). Thereafter, patients are seen by their primary physician regularly to ensure that they are doing well on treatment. Patients will also see doctors from other disciplines, if required, to manage their conditions and minimise the chances of developing other complications often associated with HIV infections. This includes ophthalmology for HIV-related eye conditions, endocrinology for chronic conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis, psychiatry for mood disorders, and dermatology for HIV-related skin conditions.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP will be prescribed to HIV-negative patients who are at risk of HIV infection after a review by our doctors. In addition, patients on PrEP will be provided with comprehensive sexual health services such as screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and safer sex counselling. For more info, click here.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment
After consultation with our doctors, PEP will be prescribed to HIV negative individuals who may have already been exposed to HIV infections either occupationally or non-occupationally. This will help to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Photo Courtesy of Write Editions ®

 

NCID Inpatient HIV Services

HIV positive patients who require admission for further investigations and treatment will be looked after by our team of doctors and nurses in NCID inpatient wards throughout their inpatient stay. Our multidisciplinary HIV care remain seamless from the patient’s point of admission to discharge and return to routine outpatient care.

 

HIV Support Programmes

Positive Prevention Programme
Run by Medical Social Workers (MSWs), the programme provides counselling and support for patients with emotional, social and financial issues, as well as education on safe sexual behaviours. Our MSWs are experienced and specially trained in providing the care needed by people living with HIV. 

Drug Adherence Programme
Helmed by pharmacists, the programme provides counselling and care for patients with HIV who have: (a) recently started on anti-retroviral therapy (ART); (b) changed ART regimen; and/or (c) faced challenges with adherence to ART regimen. Our HIV-trained pharmacists also run the ART directly-observed therapy (DOT), a novel and innovative service to provide additional support to patients who require more help in adhering to life-saving ART. 

NCID Cares
NCID's community engagement and outreach arm looks after the medical needs and emotional well-being of patients with HIV/AIDS by providing help through patient rehabilitation and support programmes. Diagnostic test subsidies, as well as financial support to cover medication costs, are also provided to needy patients living with HIV. NCID Cares also coordinates volunteer engagement to conduct handicraft workshops and other volunteer facilitated activities for patients.

 

Photo Courtesy of Write Editions ®

 

Better Outcomes

With early detection and treatment, and robust support programmes, patients receiving treatment at NCID can continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives with near-normal life expectancy.

 

Fees and Financial Support

Patients need to bring along referral letters from Polyclinics/ CHAS GPs to enjoy subsidised medical care. Patients referred by Action for AIDS, Singapore Anonymous Testing Service would also receive a subsidy of up to S$200 on their first visit. Please note that bill sizes vary based on treatment.

 

Click here for the Holistic HIV Care Services brochure.

 


















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