We received a petition asking:
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to implement the recommendations of the Independent Public Inquiry Report into NHS Supplied Contaminated Blood and Blood Products, chaired by Lord Archer of Sandwell.”
Details of Petition:
“During the 1970s and 1980s hundreds of people were exposed to contaminated blood and blood products. The effect on the Haemophilia Community was particularly disastrous due to their use of Factor VIII as part of their treatment. Thousands of them were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C, and recently 4,127 received letters informing them that they had been exposed to vCJD. So far, there have been almost 2,000 deaths within the Haemophilia community. Almost 200 have died since the Archer Inquiry began two years ago. Lord Archer’s report sets out eight recommendations. We urge the Government to take swift action to implement these recommendations in co-operation with the affected community, so that after a quarter of a century of campaigning they may get on with what is left of their lives. Whilst they delay, people continue to die at the rate of one per month.”
Government’s response
Than you for your e-petition.
The Government deeply regrets that patients acquired serious infections as a result of NHS treatment some two or more decades ago. It extends its sympathy to the patients and their families who have suffered as a result of the very treatments which should have transformed their lives for the better.
Ministers understand the sense of grievance that some people may feel as a result of what has happened, and that there are deeply-held opinions on the appropriateness and timeliness of decisions and actions taken many years ago. In his report, Lord Archer did not find the government of the day to have been at fault, and did not apportion blame.
The Government is committed to ensuring that people with haemophilia, and others who have been infected with hepatitis C and/or HIV from blood and blood products, are well cared for, supported in their communities and fully informed about how best to look after their health. Very careful consideration was given to Lord Archer’s recommendations and the Government’s final response is as positive as possible. The final response is published on the Department of Health’s website - (you can download a copy here - see top right of this page). This includes details of the steps taken in response to each recommendation.
