Mildmay Hospital’s role during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 90s is a testament to the resilience, compassion, and dedication of those who worked tirelessly to care for people affected by HIV and AIDS.
At the height of the pandemic, Mildmay became one of the few places in the UK offering specialised care for people living with HIV/AIDS, treating patients with dignity, compassion, and innovative approaches that continue to define our work today.
As the AIDS crisis unfolded, Mildmay was at the heart of the response, providing care at a time when fear, stigma, and a lack of understanding surrounded the disease. During those early, turbulent years, Mildmay’s doctors, nurses, and volunteers were some of the first to offer dedicated care to patients in the UK, many of whom were not only battling the devastating physical effects of the illness but also facing intense social isolation.
One of the volunteers at Mildmay during the 1980s was actor Richard Leaf, who reflected on his experiences at the hospital in an interview for the National HIV Story Trust (NHST). Leaf’s recollections, alongside those of others, are preserved by the NHST to document the history of the AIDS pandemic, ensuring that the voices of those affected will never be forgotten. His interview, available on the National HIV Story Trust website, provides a personal glimpse into the challenges, heartbreak, and dedication of those involved in Mildmay's efforts during the height of the crisis. See Richard's story here.
The National HIV Story Trust plays a crucial role in preserving the memories of those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, from survivors and loved ones to clinicians and activists. Its public archive, deposited with the London Archives, includes over 100 filmed interviews, providing more than 150 hours of first-person witness testimony. These interviews, available to the public as part of the London Archives’ "Positive History" collection, form the largest archive of its kind in the UK.
The NHST collection at the London Archives offers an unparalleled resource for researchers and members of the public who want to learn about the human stories behind the AIDS crisis. These deeply personal accounts remind us of the strength and compassion of communities that came together during one of the darkest times in modern history. As Graham Packham, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, stated: “These deeply personal stories will inform, inspire, and influence, providing a powerful and empowering discourse... these voices are preserved for the future and can be shared for the benefit of many others.”
Beyond the HIV Story Trust archive, Mildmay's own history is also preserved at the London Archives. The hospital’s archives include corporate records, newsletters, photographs, and examples of art produced by patients during art therapy sessions. These records offer invaluable insight into the pioneering care provided at Mildmay, including treatment developments and the human stories behind the care. Although patient case files are restricted due to the sensitive personal information they contain, the "Positive History" project (2022-2023) has created a searchable database to help researchers explore the history of HIV and AIDS-related care at Mildmay. The extracted information includes (but is not limited to) the name of the patient, date of diagnosis, medical conditions and illnesses, medication regimes, social situation and reason for admission.
At Mildmay, we take great pride in our history and remain dedicated to the compassionate care of people living with HIV - a mission that began during the most challenging days of the AIDS crisis and continues to inspire our work today. This legacy of care is a key reason why Transport for London honoured us by naming the London Overground's Mildmay Line after our hospital.
For more information on how to access the National HIV Story Trust collection or Mildmay’s archives, visit the London Archives website.
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