Endorsements from our supporters

Here are just a few of the reasons our supporters think that NAM's patient information resources are vital:

They enable patients to engage meaningfully with their healthcare team

NAM's patient information is an invaluable part of my clinical practice. It allows patients to have the most up-to-date information in an accessible format and undoubtedly improves patients' capacity to advocate better for their own health. Managing HIV requires partnerships between healthcare providers and patients and NAM material is an important bridge to achieve this. Doctor, Barts Health NHS Trust

The information available from NAM helps patients make an informed choice. It helps patients feel empowered in their decision making and more confident regarding the treatment options. All these factors promote a discourse about patient health between the doctor and the patient that moves away from the paternalistic model of care towards one in which patients are making active decision about their health. Doctor, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

They help patients to participate in decisions regarding their treatment and care

Losing NAM and its resources would have a hugely detrimental impact on patients being able to understand, own and feel in control of their condition, something that the modern NHS has striven towards over many years. It will be a very sad day for HIV positive patients if funding is removed from this excellent organisation. Health Adviser, Central and North West London NHS Trust

NAM provide the most user-friendly information we have access to, we consistently run out of their leaflets due to high demand, their work is vital in making sure people with HIV are well-informed about their condition & able to make choices which benefit both themselves and the wider public. Nurse, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Essential information service for patients, it empowers patients, and facilitates them to make informed choices about treatment. This has a positive impact on health promotion and encourages drug treatment adherence. Nurse, Barts Health NHS Trust

It has been an invaluable tool for our patients to be well informed and so make informed decisions over their sexual health and any treatment they may need. Research has proved time and time again that written information enables information to be absorbed more efficiently. No matter how good the relationships/interactions with the HIV team, without the information provided by NAM, the negative impact on our patients would be enormous. Health Adviser, Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust

They enhance the doctor-patient dialogue

High-quality patient care and positive outcome relies on healthcare professionals working in partnership with patients who have a long-term condition such as HIV. Good quality, reliable information is a core requirement to such partnership working and NAM's patient information service plays a vital role in achieving this. Health Adviser, Barts Health NHS Trust

NAM provides accurate information that is accessible for people living with HIV, their friends and family. As a clinician, it allows me to focus on key messages during my consultations that the patient can follow-up on by reading high quality scientifically sound information. For a condition that is surrounded by extreme stigma, harmful health beliefs, it is essential that a reliable source of information pertaining to HIV continues to be available. Doctor, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

They support patient self-management

I have 15 mins to see clients in a consultation and hence I rely heavily on NAM Publications to provide further support and information. I trust the information they provide and feel it serves to empower my clients and provide them with the knowledge to deal with their diagnoses, move forward, adhere to medication and normalise their lives safely. Losing NAM's information service will only serve to place greater pressures on struggling NHS services. Doctor, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

It is important that patients have access to information that covers all areas concerned with living with HIV. This is a long-term health condition, and requires patients to have the appropriate knowledge to support "self management" and help patients to take a lead in looking after their health and well being. With more pressure for patients to become "experts in their health condition" it is a vital component of care that they have access to the correct information on site where they get their HIV care. NAM leaflets cover a wide range of important issues relating to living with HIV and are user friendly for patients and staff. As the Clinical nurse lead, for HIV, I speak on behalf of our large HIV unit. Nurse, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

They provide adherence support

Brilliant, up to date, patient information. These are vital for good patient care and support adherence to anti-retroviral therapy. I strongly support continued funding. Doctor, South London Healthcare NHS Trust

The leaflets are very well researched, clearly written and provide excellent patient information. They support adherence to treatment, which is one of the best methods of prevention. South West London HIV and GUM Clinical Services Network (SWAGNET)

NAM leaflets and regular updates and bulletins have been an invaluable tool in my practice. Patients love the literature, they find it easy to follow and they understand the language. I am convinced the support NAM gives us and patients is part of the reason we have one of the highest adherence rates in our patients in the world. Pharmacist, HIV Pharmacy Association

Being provided with information about HIV and how it is managed is central to patients' adherence to treatment. If these resources are no longer available, it could potentially have a negative impact on adherence and indirectly the health outcomes of patients living with HIV. It is extremely important that patients continue to have access to printed information sources. Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

It's not rocket science that NAM materials are invaluable support for patients with HIV and their adherence; to not fund it is ludicrous and short-sighted. Doctor, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

They are accessible, comprehensive, independent and trusted

Considering that the internet is full of conflicting information regarding all aspects of HIV NAM has always been the one trusted resource for both accuracy but more importantly accessibility. The wording of all of their information makes an often extremely complex and scary science as easy to understand for the layman as possible. Since its inception it has strived to make this so. Health Adviser, Central and North West London NHS Trust

Above all they are an independent, respected voice and one that patients’ trust. Doctor, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

This is a fantastic service; accurate, research based & complex information written in an accessible form & in other languages for people who have different levels of interest. Doctor, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Clear, unbiased practical information in a format easy to understand and take away, invaluable. Doctor, Central and North West London NHS Trust

NAM has always provided good quality information that is up to date, relevant and helpful to patients in understanding results and concepts discussed in consultation with professionals. The breadth of information is outstanding and welcome the really helpful translations of resources. There is nothing out there that quite matches it and it would be deplorable if this resource were to be lost. Health Adviser, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

This service is VITAL for my patients. The booklet series and online resources are the ONLY patient information available written in language patients can freely understand, and from a trusted independent source. Loss of this service will have a negative impact on the quality of care of people living with HIV. Dietician, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

This service is vital for newly diagnosed patients, those from backgrounds where HIV knowledge can be based on prejudice and stigma, find the information balanced, accurate and trustworthy, I often signpost patients to the NAM leaflets in other languages as know I can trust the information, even if I don’t know the language myself, please do not stop this valuable service, the disadvantaged will suffer more. Health Adviser, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

They are high quality, up to date and accurate

It's an absolutely vital resource for our patients. The information is clear, concise, well researched and most importantly, regularly updated. It would be a terrible shame to lose this. Health Adviser, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

NAM is a national leader for the quality of patient information it provides. The information produced and shared with the individuals we look after who are living with HIV is an essential part of the pathway from early diagnosis, starting treatment and living well with HIV. They provide a superb service and have a significant impact supporting people living with HIV.  Doctor, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

I have worked exclusively with patients with HIV for the last 24 years. A huge part of my role is treatment initiation, support and the ongoing care of my cohort. I cannot imagine being without the high quality resources that we have depended on from NAM. Nurse, Central and North West London NHS Trust

NAM provides very important well written patient information that is recognised nationally by clinicians and patients. NAM is a charity that is able to produce unbiased and trusted material that patients and clinicians can refer to. In these times of austerity we need to ensure we maintain the safety and effectiveness of NHS services offered whilst cuts are being made. The loss of funding for these booklets will have a direct negative effect on the care we offer to patients. Pharmacist, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust

They are an effective use of resources

Given that HIV is a public health concern where HIV is at epidemic levels, particularly in London, HIV clinics need all the adherence and educational tools possible to help reduce ongoing transmission of HIV. If 25% of those living with HIV don't even know it and therefore transmitting the disease, then this is set to increase if we cannot get our patients on board to treatment, risks and benefits, options etc. If 1 person with HIV costs the NHS £100,000 per lifetime, then surely it would be prudent to support patients take responsibility for their own health and for the greater public health. Pharmacist, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

I think provision of free information and advice around HIV and STI's (including these great resources!) should be a key cornerstone of a proactive, Government led Public Health policy and should be properly funded at all times. Health Adviser, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.