This week we pay tribute to a very long-standing member of staff, Dr Camilla Hawkins, who recently celebrated an amazing 24 years of dedication and commitment to Mildmay Mission Hospital.

It is appropriate that we acknowledge the massive contribution Camilla has made to the Hospital and the hundreds of patients she has worked with over the course of so many years, and we give our grateful thanks.

Camilla is the Hospital's Lead Occupational Therapist and also heads up our Day Therapy Services (which are sadly suspended during the pandemic).

Camilla says:
"I started working at Mildmay in late 1996, and have therefore had the opportunity to see treatment advances and gains in longevity, and quality of life that could not have been anticipated in the early years of HIV.

Sadly, however, stigma and discrimination remain a concern for too many people living with HIV. My occupational therapy role has evolved over the years, but remained broad and continues to interest and challenge me. My interest in this area led to articles, studies, and my doctoral research.

I have learnt from people living with HIV – initially sadly sometimes how to die, but also how to live."

Camilla is a highly experienced clinician and is also part of the Hospital's Senior Management Team, making an invaluable contribution to the welfare of patients, staff and to the ongoing success of our specialist - often complex, and in these challenging times, rapidly changing services.