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HIV Service | Lakes

Public Service, Infectious Diseases

Description

Lakes DHB HIV Service provides ongoing healthcare support for individuals living with HIV. 

We are a small specialist service, operating regular outpatient clinics. All engagement with our service is strictly private and confidential.

The aims of our service are to:

  • support patients to manage their condition
  • help patients understand how to best take their medications
  • help reduce admissions to hospital
  • educate about HIV infection

Where to find us: Clinic appointments are held at the Rangiora Clinic on the edge of the hospital campus at Ranolf Street Hospital Entrance.
See the Rotorua Hospital Grounds map here.

 

What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV belongs to a group of viruses called Retroviruses which work by invading the genetic material of cells within your body. Normally, the body’s immune system would fight off such a virus, but HIV stops this from happening by infecting the cells that fight off infection. The virus can live in the body for years without causing obvious damage, though it will continue replicating over this time.

There’s currently no cure for HIV; once a person is diagnosed with the virus it stays in their system for life. There are, however, many quality medications available to help people who live with HIV. Strict adherence to antiretroviral regimens (ARVs) can dramatically slow the disease's progress as well as prevent secondary infections and complications.

Consultants

Referral Expectations

Individuals are referred to our team by their treating clinician. People can also self-refer to our service by emailing hiv@lakesdhb.govt.nz.

After referral, our team will contact you directly to schedule a clinical appointment.

Fees and Charges Description

HIV-related care is publicly funded within New Zealand.

Procedures / Treatments

Antivirals / Antiretrovirals

There is a wide range of drugs or treatments that can be used to control the amount of HIV in your body. They work to slow the damage caused to your immune system. HIV treatments are known as antivirals or antiretrovirals. Their job is to stop the HIV virus from making copies of itself, which protects your immune system from damage.

There is a wide range of drugs or treatments that can be used to control the amount of HIV in your body. They work to slow the damage caused to your immune system. HIV treatments are known as antivirals or antiretrovirals. Their job is to stop the HIV virus from making copies of itself, which protects your immune system from damage.

Parking

Rangiora clinic has designated carparking outside.

Pharmacy

Click here to find your nearest community pharmacy.

Other

Click here for more information about your trip to Rotorua Hospital, including:

Contact Details

Rangiora Health Clinic
Ranolf Street hospital entrance
Rotorua Hospital Grounds
Rotorua

Information about this location

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Street Address

Rangiora Health Clinic
Ranolf Street hospital entrance
Rotorua Hospital Grounds
Rotorua

Postal Address

Rotorua Hospital
Private Bag 3023
Rotorua Mail Centre
Rotorua 3046

This page was last updated at 10:48AM on July 15, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by HIV Service | Lakes.