Our hospital
Our hospital
Mildmay is a charitable hospital based in East London
Mildmay Mission Hospital provides structured pathways of rehabilitation, treatment, services, and care for people with complex and severe HIV-related health conditions, including HIV-associated brain impairment (also known as HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder, or HAND).
In 2020, we added Step-Down Homeless Medical Care and Step-Down COVID-Care Pathways.
We maintain a pool of expertise and knowledge that is unsurpassed in Europe.
In 2018 an estimated 103,800 people were living with HIV in the UK
People with a late diagnosis are much more likely to develop severe health conditions. This includes HIV associated neurocognitive disorders, which can present with symptoms similar to severe dementia.
93% of these people are diagnosed, and therefore know that they have HIV, but around 1 in 14 people living with HIV in the UK do not know that they have the virus and are at risk of passing HIV on to others.
As people are now living longer with HIV, the number of people with an HIV diagnosis who are aged 50 and over has seen an increase in recent years. Two in five people accessing HIV care in 2018 were aged 50 or over.
HIV Pathway
Patients arrive at Mildmay Mission Hospital in need of 24-hour care, with some being unable to walk or talk when first admitted.
Mildmay provides a range of therapies and medical care combined with medication and rehabilitation, which means that 85 per cent of patients return to independent living in the community upon discharge from Mildmay.
Patients from all over the country are referred to Mildmay Hospital and for many, their lives are transformed beyond recognition.
Step-down Homeless Medical Care Pathway
Mildmay is now admitting step-down homeless patients, delivering medical care and treatment to a vulnerable group that is in desperate need. This work is in addition to our ongoing work with HIV. Additionally, Mildmay is London's primary facility for homeless COVID-19 patients that do not require intensive care.
Day Therapy Services
In addition to Mildmay’s inpatient services, we offer Day Therapy services to help people maintain their health and independence, building life skills and confidence.
People attending Day Therapy activities may participate in music, Art Therapy and Horticultural therapy. We also offer computer skills and online cognitive programmes, Healthy Living and Expert Patient groups and access to the physiotherapy gym.
Our staff team is well supported by a team of trained volunteers, many of whom run activities on the ward or act as patient befrienders.
COVID-19 UPDATE:
We are sorry to report that in the light of Department of Health & Social Care guidelines on social distancing in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mildmay's Day Therapy service has had to be suspended until further notice.
Prince Harry formally opened our new hospital in 2015
HRH Prince Harry’s visit to Mildmay at the end of 2015 marked the official opening of our brand new, purpose-built hospital which replaced earlier buildings.
Harry also visited Mildmay to be interviewed for the excellent BBC One documentary The Truth About HIV which aired in 2017.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana visited Mildmay numerous times and had a profound impact breaking through the stigma around HIV and AIDS.
"Diana, Princess of Wales was a great friend to Mildmay. We remember her visits with respect and affection and are ever grateful for her impact, her compassion and her determination to change hearts and minds."
Ross White, Former Mildmay Chief Executive
Today, thanks in part to Diana's support for our hospital, Mildmay is still at the forefront of HIV treatment and rehabilitation.
In addition, we are also working with people who are homeless or rough-sleeping and playing our part during the COVID-19 pandemic too.
Our history
Mildmay’s origins stretch back to the mid-1860s and the work carried out by The Reverend William Pennefather, a vicar at St Judes, and his wife Catherine.
William Pennefather (1826-1873)
by unknown artist
stipple engraving, mid 19th century
NPG D11183
© National Portrait Gallery, London
"Long-term HIV care is proving more challenging and complex than we ever imagined
Mildmay helps to bring new hope to thousands caught up in the continuing HIV crisis. I urge you to join me in supporting their work."
Dame Judi Dench CH DBE FRSA
Mildmay Patron
Photo courtesy of BBC Television
Get involved
See how you can help us to empower people by delivering quality health services so that everyone in Mildmay’s care has a chance to enjoy life in all its fullness
Support us
Mildmay is part-funded by the NHS for providing services, meaning that charitable contributions and donations are essential for maintaining, enhancing and developing our services.
This comes from charitable giving by donors, via legacies, church support, through company giving and from grants from charitable trusts and foundations.
