For over three decades, Milestone House has been a sanctuary of care, compassion and community for people living with HIV. It was the UK’s first purpose-built AIDS hospice, and it holds an important place in both Waverley Care’s history and the lives of countless individuals and families.
But as the landscape of HIV care has changed, so must we.
Why Now?
HIV is no longer the diagnosis it once was. Thanks to advances in treatment, people living with HIV can now enjoy full, healthy lives and do not require residential care. In response to these changes, Waverley Care has evolved as well – focusing more on community-based outreach services that meet people where they are at.
Since April 2020, at the request of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB), Milestone House has shifted its focus to supporting individuals with complex health and social care needs, including those experiencing homelessness or affected by substance use. While this work has been valuable, it has moved us away from our core mission: supporting people affected by HIV or Hepatitis C.
The Future of Milestone House
As residential HIV care is no longer needed, Waverley Care has decided to step away from managing Milestone House. NHS Lothian owns the land on which it sits and it will be returned to its care.
The EIJB has begun a commissioning process to identify a new provider with specific expertise in complex health and social care, ensuring that this vital service can continue for those who need it most.
Waverley Care formally notified the EIJB of our intention to withdraw in December 2023, and a tender process was launched on 15 May 2025, with bids due by 9 July 2025. A new provider is expected to take over the service in November 2025.
Our Staff
We understand that change can be unsettling, especially for the staff at Milestone. We’re working closely with the Milestone team to ensure the transition to the new service provider proceeds as smoothly as possible later this year. Waverley Care is here to support all staff throughout this period.
We also want to sincerely thank the incredible Milestone team for their continued dedication, compassion, and professionalism during this time. Throughout the transition in recent years, they have continued to deliver high-quality, person-centred support to members of our community. Their resilience and commitment to care have been unwavering, and we are deeply grateful for everything they have contributed—not just to Waverley Care but to the many lives they have touched.
Our Focus Moving Forward
Although saying goodbye to Milestone is bittersweet, it is also a sign of progress. That people living with HIV no longer require residential care is something to be celebrated.
Still, the need for support remains. Many people living with a blood borne virus continue to face significant challenges, including stigma, poorer mental health, ageing with HIV, and the added pressures that can come from belonging to marginalised or underserved communities. These issues demand services that are not only compassionate but also tailored to real-life needs, and our commitment to delivering that support is stronger than ever.
As Scotland works toward its goal of eliminating new HIV transmission by 2030, Waverley Care will remain at the forefront of this effort. Reducing stigma and expanding access to testing are core to our mission. We know that early diagnosis and community-led support save lives and helps build a future free from fear and discrimination.
Looking ahead, our focus is on flexible, person-centred support delivered directly within communities. This approach allows us to be more inclusive, more responsive, and more effective in meeting people where they are.
Celebrating Milestone’s Legacy
To honour Milestone’s incredible legacy, we will be hosting a special farewell event and open afternoon. This will be an opportunity for people who have used the service, family members, former staff, and professional partners to come together and reflect on the building’s profound impact. More information will be available soon.
Contact us
In the coming months, we’ll also be looking for a new home for our staff. During this transition, you can continue to reach us via our usual contact details:
0131 558 1425
hello@waverleycare.org