About us
We are a charity
that cares for people.
At Mildmay, people are at the heart of everything we do. For nearly 40 years, we have been at the forefront of specialised care for individuals living with HIV, and more recently for people experiencing homelessness and complex clinical needs.
Our hospital in East London provides comprehensive rehabilitation services that address both health and dignity, restoring hope to those we serve.
International Programmes
Since 1998, Mildmay has extended vital HIV and healthcare services across East Africa - Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe - and beyond. Many of these projects have transitioned to locally led NGOs, ensuring lasting impact.
Current Focus
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Education Exchange Programme: UK clinicians complete placements at Kumi Hospital, Uganda, strengthening skills and supporting local healthcare systems. (Piloted in 2023; resuming with upcoming programmes in 2025.)
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New Developments (2025): Launching new health centre initiatives in Uganda - upgrading facilities, expanding access to chronic illness, HIV, paediatric, and palliative care services.
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Supporting Independent Partners: Mildmay Uganda and Mildmay Kenya now operate autonomously with their own governance, while we continue to back their vital work through fundraising and collaboration.
We remain committed to building global healthcare partnerships, empowering communities, and responding to evolving health needs - locally and internationally.
Pioneering New Services
In response to urgent community needs, Mildmay continues to innovate with new programmes
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Step-down rehabilitative care for people experiencing homelessness after illness or injury
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REBUILD Pathway (2022): supporting recovery following detoxification
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Neurorehabilitation and neuropsychology pilots (2023): advancing specialist care and research
As an independent charitable hospital, we are proud to be a trusted NHS partner. We deliver essential healthcare while pioneering specialist HIV services for people with complex needs.
More than 30 years ago, Mildmay led the way in care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and we remain the UK’s only hospital dedicated to this vital area of expertise.
Our Vision is
Life in all its fullness
for everyone in Mildmay’s care
our Mission is to
Transform and empower lives through the delivery of quality health services, treatment, and care.
&
Chief Executive Officer
Geoff Coleman MIHM DMS MA MBA
Geoff joined Mildmay in 2018, bringing decades of leadership experience in both the NHS and charity sector. He has led multiple organisations supporting carers and adults with learning disabilities and held senior NHS roles, including Director of Clinical Services and Director of Informatics.
President
The Rt Hon. the Lord Smith of Finsbury
Lord Chris Smith became Mildmay’s President in 2024. A long-time advocate for HIV awareness and public service, he brings leadership in culture, politics, and social issues, including LGBTQIA+ representation.
Our Values and faith
Founded by Revd William Pennefather and his wife, Catherine, as a Christian medical mission in response to London’s 1860s cholera epidemic, Mildmay has always been rooted in compassion and service.
After being a part of the NHS for 34 years, our hospital - despite objections from our local community, was closed down in 1982.
Re-established as a charitable hospital in 1985 after a period in the NHS, our values are guided by Christian faith but embrace people of all faiths and none.
We work in a multicultural society, valuing the contributions of our staff, volunteers, patients, partners, and supporters who sustain our work.
We are dedicated to upholding:
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Exceptional stewardship of resources
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Innovation, quality and learning
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Commitment to open communication and respect of individual dignity
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Development and encouragement of people to their full potential.