Brighton HIV pharmacist wins international recognition

A Brighton pharmacist has been given a lifetime achievement award for her dedication to patients with HIV.

Heather Leake-Date, consultant pharmacist for HIV at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, has been singled out for the award by the HIV Pharmacy Association.

The association said: “It is a rare thing these days to be able to bring about something of real use to patients from just desire and devotion, and we recognise the inspired role you took and led for so long to make the HIVPA what it is today and for your continued work and dedication to HIV pharmacy.

“From the early days of four or five of you discussing around a table on an irregular basis, to the current membership of 120 members, the association has grown to become a sizeable force of ongoing education and an online resource for pharmacists all over the world.

“Your amazing work is recognised by international colleagues.

“You are a role model we all aspire to be like.”

The chief executive of the trust which runs the Royal Sussex, Duncan Selbie, said: “The treatment of HIV infection has improved dramatically over the past two decades.

“Specialist pharmacists have been centre stage in making this happen, inspiring improvements in treatment and education, and none more so than our consultant pharmacist for HIV, Heather Leake-Date. Congratulations, Heather.”