Irene Goldstone joined the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS in 1992 after serving as Director of Medical Nursing at St. Paul's Hospital for 10 years. Irene has been involved with the development of the inpatient HIV/AIDS care and education programs for health care professionals since 1984.
As Adjunct Professor, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Irene collaborated with colleagues to offer an undergraduate nursing elective and an undergraduate inter-professional elective in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care at the University of British Columbia. With the dramatic outbreak of HIV in people who use injection drugs, Irene has become a passionate advocate of nurses' contribution to harm reduction.
In 1987 the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia gave Irene a Recognition Award for her work in preserving the history of nursing schools in British Columbia. In 1996, The Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care presented her with the Award of Excellence in Education. In 2007 the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia presented her with an Award of Distinction and The Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care presented her with the Award of Excellence for Exceptional Contribution to the Development of Nursing in HIV/AIDS Care.