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OBITUARY: Dr Veronica Moss, A Pioneer in AIDS Care and Compassion

Updated: Jul 26


Dr Veronica Moss on a return visit to Mildmay in 2013
Dr Veronica Moss on a return visit to Mildmay in 2013

Dr Veronica Moss passed away after a long illness in Southend, Essex, on Thursday 18 July 2024.

 

Veronica's long history with Mildmay began in 1986 when Helen Taylor-Thompson invited her to join the Steering Committee fighting for the hospital's reopening after its closure by the NHS in 1982. Before that, she was working as a GP. “At the time, I had no idea that this east London hospital would end up with such a large international presence. But I had this strong sense of calling.”

 

Following the successful campaign, Veronica was invited to apply for the role of Medical Director at the newly re-established Mildmay, now an independent voluntary Hospital with objectives and values underpinned by the Christian faith.

 

Taking the helm, she collaborated with Helen Taylor-Thompson, who served as Chair of the Board of Governors, and Dr Ruth Sims to develop Europe's first Hospice Programme specifically catering to AIDS patients. The programme's first ward opened its doors in 1988.

 

The first few years were a difficult time for Mildmay. “We received opposition from all quarters. People hurled stones and bottles at our windows and the patients as well and gave us constant verbal abuse. There was a great deal of ignorance about the illness and how you got it.”


Helen  Taylor Thompson, Diana, Princess of Wales and Dr Veronica Moss
Helen Taylor Thompson, Diana, Princess of Wales and Dr Veronica Moss

By 1991, Mildmay was fully dedicated to AIDS care and soon began to develop work with families and children with AIDS. Increasing numbers of patients were of African origin, and a staff group, including Veronica, raised money to travel to Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe to better understand their cultures and learn how to care for them more effectively in England. They made many friends during their two-month tour and were invited back to teach and train about how to care for people living with HIV and AIDS. In 1993, Mildmay received an invitation from the government of Uganda to open a specialist treatment and training centre there. 

 

Princess Anne opened the Mildmay Centre for AIDS Treatment and Care in Uganda in 1998, and in 2007, HM Queen Elizabeth II visited the Mildmay Centre and its sister project, the Mildmay Paediatric Care Centre. By then, approximately 5,000 patients attended the Mildmay clinics regularly, and nearly 14,000 children were supported through their programmes. Both centres were established as models of good practice, demonstrating and teaching doctors, nurses and health workers about how to provide good quality holistic care in resource-limited settings.


Dr Moss with a young boy called Solomon, in the Mildmay Paediatric Care Centre, Uganda.
Dr Moss with a young boy called Solomon, in the Mildmay Paediatric Care Centre.

Under Veronica’s guidance, Mildmay went on to develop programmes in several other countries including Tanzania and Kenya, then Zimbabwe and Rwanda and later into Eastern Europe. Much of its work focused on teaching and training health workers at all levels, including doctors and nurses, in all aspects of HIV and AIDS treatment and care. For example, in Ukraine, Mildmay worked with Ukrainian government AIDS centres to train their staff in AIDS palliative and rehabilitative care.

 


Veronica retired from Mildmay after 22 years of service in September 2008 but continued to teach, train, and speak about the many issues raised by the HIV epidemic and how it affected the lives of individuals and communities.

 

To this day, Mildmay continues to flourish as a leading centre providing specialist care for people with HIV-related illnesses and we maintain a pool of expertise and knowledge that is unsurpassed in Europe. Veronica Moss’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and her resolute commitment to compassion and excellence remains an inspiration to all.


Her legacy will always be associated with Mildmay Mission Hospital, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of AIDS care in both the UK and worldwide.






Dr Yvonne E. M. Karamagi, Executive Director of Mildmay Uganda

A letter of tribute to Dr Veronica Moss by Dr Yvonne E. M. Karamagi, Executive Director of Mildmay Uganda


Greetings from Mildmay Uganda. It is with profound sadness that we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr Veronica Moss. Her departure leaves an irreplaceable void not only in the hearts of those who knew her personally but also within Mildmay Uganda and Uganda as a nation which she tirelessly served.

 

Dr Veronica Moss was more than a dedicated healthcare professional; she was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength in the fight against HIV. Her unwavering commitment to her work and her compassion for patients transformed countless lives.

 

She had a passion for continuous medical education so that clinicians could sharpen their patient management skills. I recall that after every international conference, she would come and teach the entire organisation about the latest advances in HIV treatment. In the corridors of our hospital, Dr Veronica Moss's presence was always felt. Her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering resolve set a standard for all of us. We are reminded of our great efforts when we pass by the Veronica Moss building, which houses our Paediatric and adolescent services.  For many, she was the embodiment of resilience and an excellent doctor who helped countless Ugandans receive quality holistic HIV care during the most challenging times.

 

Her journey was marked by an extraordinary dedication to eradicating HIV and providing comprehensive care to those affected. Through her innovative approaches and relentless advocacy, Dr Veronica Moss made significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes and reducing the stigma associated with HIV. Her efforts have not only advanced medical practice in Uganda and in many other African countries that Mildmay UK's Africa training programs reached, to roll out Antiretroviral therapy, but have also inspired a generation of healthcare professionals to pursue excellence and compassion in their work.

 

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable life she led. Her contributions to Uganda and the broader fight against HIV are a testament to her enduring spirit and dedication.

 

To her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her, we extend our heartfelt sympathies.

 

In honouring her memory, we commit ourselves to continuing her work with the same passion and dedication she exemplified every day. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit and mission will forever guide our efforts in the fight against HIV.

 

With deepest sympathy,


Dr Yvonne E. M. Karamagi



Tributes


Very sad news. Veronica provided such strong leadership when Mildmay reopened. May she RIP and rise in glory.

Jane Cook


So sorry to hear this news, i remember her well from my days at Mildmay. RIP Veronica x

Debbie Hobdell


Sooooo sorry to doctor Veronica

Sara Kabuye


So sorry to read this, I knew her a little when she did a stint as a houseman at Mildmay in the very early 1970's.

Margaret Taylor


This is sad news. One of the proudest moments of my career was going to Ukraine with Veronica to do training in 2008. Veronica was so passionate and knowledgeable- whilst I taught on the health benefits of meaningful occupations, Veronica taught me so much. We travelled around Ukraine visiting some of the HIV centres to see how they were implementing the training and Veronica was a lovely companion - I remember watching films with her in the evenings. Monsoon Wedding will always remind me of her! Sending lots of love to her friends and family.

Jill Foster


An amazing strong woman who did such great work at Mildmay in London and Uganda and elsewhere over so many years.

Dermott McDonald


I am very saddened to hear of the sad death of Dr Veronica. I learned so much from her at Mildmay UK & then had the privilege of going out with her to work & set up Mildmay Uganda in 1998 - 2002. Very fond memories of our time there. May she now rest in peace after a life of service well lived.

Denise Douglas





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