Working in HIV care is more than a profession for me, it is a privilege. Every day I have the opportunity to support people living with HIV through some of the most important moments in their lives, helping them access treatment, improve their health, and achieve the same life expectancy and quality of life as anyone else.
As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in HIV Medicine, I am passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, circumstances, or life experiences. My career has been driven by a simple belief: everyone deserves equitable healthcare, and no one should be left behind.
HIV care has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Advances in treatment mean that people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives. However, health inequalities remain. Many individuals continue to face barriers to care, including stigma, mental health challenges, poverty, housing difficulties, language barriers, and social isolation. These factors can have a significant impact on health outcomes and engagement with services.
My role involves working closely with patients to overcome these challenges. Whether supporting someone newly diagnosed with HIV, helping an individual who has disengaged from care to reconnect with services, or managing the complexities of long-term HIV treatment, I aim to provide compassionate, holistic care that places the individual at the centre of decision-making.
I am committed to continuous learning and professional development to ensure I can provide the best possible care. I hold a Master of Research (MRes) degree, which has strengthened my ability to critically evaluate evidence and contribute to service development and research. I am also an Independent Prescriber, enabling me to make timely treatment decisions and provide seamless care for my patients.
In addition, I have completed a Diploma in Advanced Practice and advanced training in Clinical Assessment and Decision Making. These qualifications allow me to assess, diagnose, investigate, and manage a wide range of clinical presentations, while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver safe and effective care.
Alongside my clinical work, I have a strong interest in service improvement, research, and patient engagement. I believe that the voices of people living with HIV should be at the heart of service design. By listening to patients and involving them in decisions about how services are delivered, we can create care that is more responsive, inclusive, and effective.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building long-term relationships with patients. HIV care is often a lifelong journey, and being able to support people through different stages of their lives is both humbling and inspiring. Seeing patients achieve their goals, regain confidence, and thrive reminds me why I chose this profession.
As healthcare continues to evolve, my commitment remains the same: to advocate for equitable access to care, challenge stigma, promote inclusion, and ensure that every person feels valued, respected, and supported. By working together, we can create healthcare services where no one is overlooked and everyone has the opportunity to achieve the best possible health outcomes.
Because great HIV care is not only about managing a condition; it is about empowering people, reducing inequalities, and ensuring that nobody is left behind.
ResearchGate – Colin Fitzpatrick