The Infected Blood Inquiry, one of the largest probes in UK history, has released its final report on the contaminated blood scandal from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Announced on May 20, 2024, this report addresses how contaminated blood products infected over 30,000 people with HIV and hepatitis C, leading to more than 3,000 deaths. Sir Brian Langstaff, inquiry chair, presented the findings in Westminster, highlighting the negligence in blood screening and procurement from high-risk donor populations in the US. The NHS did not begin testing for HIV and hepatitis C until 1986 and 1991, respectively. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to apologize, with the government considering compensation exceeding £10bn. NHS Blood and Transplant officials emphasize that current blood safety measures are among the world's best, with rigorous donor screening and testing protocols in place.
Final Report of UK's Infected Blood Inquiry Reveals Negligence and Tragedy
The Infected Blood Inquiry has unveiled its final report on the contaminated blood scandal spanning from the 1970s to the early 1990s, exposing negligence in blood screening and procurement practices that led to over 30,000 infections and 3,000 deaths. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is anticipated to issue an apology, while discussions of a compensation package exceeding £10bn are underway.