The Special Immunology Services (SIS) Clinic team provides outpatient care for adults, adolescents and children who are HIV positive, as well as clients who are living with HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B co-infections. Our specialty-trained team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, a pharmacist, administrative support and researchers. At the SIS Clinic, we encourage you to be actively involved in your care.
Your specialist will work with you when planning treatments for HIV. At the SIS clinic, we will also provide testing and treatments for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), which can include infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. As a patient of the SIS clinic if you are exposed to STI, you may contact the clinic to book an appointment to see one of the nurses to be tested. If test results do come pack positive for an STI, you can receive your treatment here as well.
Who you might meet
Business Clerk
The business clerk will be the first person you meet when you walk into the clinic. The business clerk supports patients, their families and the health care team by helping you schedule your appointments.
Nurses
Our nurses are experts in HIV care and will work closely with other members of the health care team to ensure that your health and well-being is being met. At your visit the nurse may:
- Monitor your height, weight and blood pressure
- Complete a health assessment
- Complete bloodwork
- Provide education about HIV care
- Provide immunizations and medications as needed
Pharmacist
Your pharmacist is an expert in medications related to HIV and Hepatitis C. The pharmacist is a resource to clinic staff, health care providers and patients. The pharmacist works with you to help you understand your medications. Our pharmacist will help to make sure you:
- Take your medications correctly
- Get the most out of all the medications you take
- Know about and can help manage side effects related to the medications
- Understand that some medications do not mix well with other drugs or certain foods
There are times when it may be difficult to get the medications you need. The pharmacist will try his/her best to help you access these medications.
The pharmacist is available by phone, appointment or during your clinic visit.
Physicians
Our physicians are HIV specialists that provide direct patient care to help you understand your HIV diagnosis and treatments. When visiting the clinic your physician may perform a health assessments and talk to you about your medical care. The physicians will work with you to optimize your treatments.
Research Staff
Research is important to our understanding of treatment and care for HIV and HIV/Hepatitis C co-infections. Our research team works closely with the health care team at the SIS Clinic.
The research team makes sure that the research done follows ethical and government rules. The team makes sure that the research is a part of the patient care and health service we provide.
Social Worker
Meets with you during your first clinic visit as part of the comprehensive intake process. A collaborative assessment will be completed and follow up visits will be determined based on your identified needs and goals.
- Counselling: including, but not limited to, HIV disclosure, adjustment, living with chronic diseases, relationships, HIV and pregnancy, alcohol and substance use challenges, and grief.
- Referrals and collaboration with: community agencies and resources such as housing, income, drug benefits, and social recreational opportunities.
What to expect at your first appointment
At your intake appointment, you will have the opportunity to meet with the Social Worker as well as the Nurse. At this appointment, you will be able to ask questions about HIV, receive education about HIV care and treatment as well as having your blood drawn.
Please bring with you all of your medications that you are taking (including herbal supplements) so the nurse can go over them and update your profile in the clinic, papers for medical coverage as well as a list of specialists you might be seeing. This appointment can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, you do not have to fast for this appointment.
When do you meet with the doctor?
After your intake appointment is finished, the Nurse will provide you with a follow up appointment to meet with the doctor. This appointment is usually 2-4 weeks after your intake appointment, depending on your needs and availability.
Making an appointment
If you are a patient, you may contact our business clerk at 905-521-2100, extension 73325. If you would like to refer yourself or someone else, please use the referral form. Click the appropriate link found on the right-hand side of this page, print out the referral form and fax it to 905-521-8675.
Referring a patient
If you are a doctor, healthcare provider, or AIDS service organization and would like to make a referral please complete the appropriate referral and fax it to the SIS Clinic at 905-521-8675.
