More than a Clinic: A Place Where Life Can Move Forward

For many people, walking through the doors of the Positive Care Clinic can be full of uncertainty. A new diagnosis can bring fear, and countless questions about the future. But for the dedicated team at Lakeridge Health's Positive Care Clinic, the goal is simple: help patients move beyond their diagnosis and get back to living their lives.

"It's the fact they know they can come here, to a safe space," says Vivienne Cordeiro, Registered Nurse in the Positive Care Clinic at our Whitby Hospital.

The Positive Care Clinic provides specialized care for people across Durham Region and Central East Ontario at risk for, and living with HIV, Hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases. Beyond expert medical care, the clinic offers something equally important: compassion, reassurance, and a trusted team to help patients navigate a complex health care system.

"Systems navigation is actually really tough," Vivienne explains. "If I'm struggling, and this is my profession and my industry, I can only imagine how challenging it can be for someone trying to do it for the first time. Even if we can't help them directly, we'll always try to connect them to the right place."

Many patients arrive overwhelmed, trying to process a diagnosis they never expected. Alongside the news about their health comes a flood of uncertainty about what it means for their relationships, their future, and the life they imagined for themselves.

While HIV is now considered a chronic illness that can be effectively managed with treatment, the stigma surrounding it can still leave patients feeling isolated and afraid.

"There's such a stigma attached to it," says Vivienne. "People think this is the end of their lives. They're worried about unplanned disclosures. They're asking, 'Can I have kids? Will I be around for my kids? Am I going to have a normal lifespan?' Those are all valid questions."

Over time, those fears begin to fade.

"You see them switch gears," she says with a smile. "Instead of being health-focused, they're focused on their life. They're telling us they're changing jobs, going back to school, getting married, or starting a family."

That's when the team knows they're making a difference.

The clinic's support often extends well beyond medical appointments. Patients seek guidance on navigating pregnancy, explaining their diagnosis to a partner, accessing community resources, or simply finding someone they trust to answer difficult questions.

"We're very privileged that our clients share those parts of their lives with us," Vivienne says. "You hear about someone's daughter getting married, a new baby on the way, or a new job. Those moments are really special."

The Positive Care Clinic also provides something many patients can't find elsewhere: specialized care close to home.

Without the clinic, many clients would have to travel to Toronto for specialized care, creating additional stress at an already overwhelming time.

"I think it's imperative that we're here," Vivienne says. "Accessing care would be challenging otherwise. We serve a huge catchment area, and people really appreciate having this expertise available locally."

"We try to stay ahead of the curve," says Vivienne. "It's not just that the service is available locally. It's a really good service available locally, too."

Perhaps the biggest misconception, she says is, who is affected.

"I just think it could be you. It could be me," explains Vivienne. "HIV can impact anybody. Hepatitis C can impact anybody. Treatment works really well, and people can carry on with their lives. HIV does not discriminate and has the potential to infect anyone with a risk."

Every day, the Positive Care Clinic helps people move beyond fear and uncertainty toward hope, confidence and a future filled with possibility. Because of the support of our donor community, this level of care is available for everyone who needs it. Visit OurPrideinHealthCare.ca to help the Clinic continue providing care, comfort and hope close to home.