Memorial quilt unveiled at hospital

A special quilt has been unveiled at Tameside Hospital to mark Global World AIDS Day.

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust took part in an AIDS Memorial Quilt Trail. 

Manchester HIV charity George House Trust curated an exhibition of panels from the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt in locations across Greater Manchester in the run-up to World AIDS Day, which was last Sunday, inspired by this year's theme 'Communities make the difference'. 

Described as an irreplaceable piece of HIV history, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt is a unique historical and social artefact which tells the stories of people lost to the virus in the early days of the HIV epidemic in the UK. Loved ones are honoured and remembered in panels made by partners, friends and families.

The quilt was unveiled at the Ashton-based hospital last week in the main atrium in the Hartshead South entrance to the hospital. 

Karen James, Chief Executive of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT, said: "We are so pleased to be involved in the AIDS Memorial Quilt Trail. I hope it raises awareness of HIV and helps to break down the stigma that affects so many people living with HIV.

“The quilt contains images and stories from those who have died from HIV related illnesses and also those living with the condition."