£226k-a-year funding set to give HIV centre an overhaul

A RESPITE centre for HIV sufferers, opened by Diana Princess of Wales, is set to be redesigned under a £226,000-a-year overhaul.

Milestone House in Oxgangs will be expanded from an eight to 12-bed facility under the revamp, which is expected to be approved at Tuesday’s city council health, wellbeing and housing committee meeting.

A residential respite service for people with blood borne viruses, complex health needs such as poor mental health, and drug use will be catered for under the changes.

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The council would also spend £30,000 to refurbish the building.

The centre, run by Waverley Care, was opened in 1991 by Diana. It was one of the first homes in the UK to offer specialist care to people with HIV and Aids. Advances in medication, meaning the number of people living with HIV has increased, was listed among reasons for the redesign.

Colinton/Fairmilehead councillor Jason Rust said: “There is now a solid way forward to tackle the gaps in care and with additional funding the building itself will also be fully fit for purpose.”

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