|
|
 |
| |
| Future uncertain for HIV centre |
‘Service not meeting needs
of people with HIV’
THE FUTURE of a centre providing support for people living with
HIV lies in the balance after a decision by Town Hall bosses not
to renew its contract.
Oasis North London, based in Regis Road, Kentish Town, provides
a range of services for sufferers in Camden and Islington, including
counselling, advice and complementary therapies.
But the centre found out last week that its five-year contract,
worth £75,000 a year, due to end next March, would not be
renewed after bosses announced it was not providing value for money.
Camden Social Services and a Town Hall scrutiny panel into HIV services
are currently conducting a review into services, thought to affect
an estimated 2,000 people living with HIV in the borough.
The decision was condemned by centre staff and users. Andria Efthimiou,
45, from Leighton Grove, Kentish Town, whose partner John died from
Aids five years ago, said the centre had provided her with a vital
lifeline.
She told the New Journal: “It has saved my life. I come here
to get re-educated so I can hopefully join the job market but what
is more important is the emotional support they provide.
Ms Efthimiou, who has campaigned to raise awareness of drugs use
and Aids issues, added: “I don’t know my own HIV status
because I have taken a decision not to find out. It is still a very
isolating experience with a great stigma attached. Oasis has really
provided a sanctuary for people like me.”
Another user, a 31-year-old HIV-positive man from Camden Town who
did not want to be named, said: “I would not be alive today
if it wasn’t for the service they provide. The council’s
priority is clearly not to provide the best service to users but
to meet targets.
Peter Davey, a director of Oasis North London, said the centre,
which employs five people, was very disappointed with the council’s
decision.
He said: “The contracts we had reflected the requirements of
people when they were written. We were providing the services we
were asked to provide but the needs of users are changing rapidly.
Camden has not kept up to date with those changes.
“They are not painting a true picture of the services we provide
or of our willingness to change with the times. The implications
could be very serious for us. The council provides a third of our
income.”
Labour councillor Geethika Jayatilaka, the council’s executive
member for health and social services, said: “We are committed
to delivering the services which meet the needs of our residents
and provide value for money. That means spending the money we have
where it is most needed. This service is not meeting the changing
needs of people living with HIV and therefore it would be wrong
to continue with the service.” |
|
|
