Dr Chris Ford

I have recently retired from General Practice in North West London, where I was a partner for over 27 years, having enjoyed every minute! I developed special interests in working with people who use drug and/or alcohol, HIV and hepatitis and sexual health. I really enjoy this work and have learnt all of what I know from the people I look after and see that as a privilege.

I was one of the founders of Substance Misuse Management in General Practice (SMMGP) and retired as its Clinical Director in 2011. I have published and presented widely about the care of people who use drugs in general practice. I am a board member of Release and am a founder member of the UK Harm Reduction Alliance (UKHRA).

In 2009 we set up International Doctors for Healthy Drug Policies (IDHDP) to increase the participation of medical doctors in drug policy. From an early stage it was easy to see the links between policy, harm reduction and good drug treatment systems and IDHDP is being the doctors’ voice in drug policy. I continue as the Clinical Director of this.