20 May 2024 should have been the beginning of justice being delivered for those affected by the greatest treatment disaster in the NHS’s history. With the Infected Blood Inquiry publishing its Report, a clear roadmap of twelve recommendations was laid out for the Government as to how it could start to address the decades of suffering the infected blood community has faced.
What has come in the twelve months since has left many of the community in despair. We’ve seen the development of a compensation scheme that is both riddled with issues and processing claims at far too slow a pace. This led to the Inquiry formally reopening to examine this problem specifically, with hearings taking place earlier this month and a further report due to be published.
In terms of the other key recommendations of the report, we are still yet to see many forward steps. Very little has been done in terms of a memorial and the Government’s ‘Hillsborough Law,’ aimed to introduce a duty of candour to government and civil service has been described as ‘a betrayal’ of the families of the victims of the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough Stadium.
Progress has also been limited in regards to improvements in patient safety and liver screening for those infected with hepatitis C. It is welcome, however, to see NHS England announce this week that all new patients registering at GP practices are to be asked if they had a blood transfusion before 1996.
With a protest taking place in Westminster today, it is clear that the Government needs to step up, listen to the community, and finally begin to address their concerns. We will continue to support those affected by this scandal through our helpline and support groups, and stand ready to work with the Government in their efforts to deliver justice.
“After so many years of the suffering, the infected blood community continue to be let down by those in power. The Inquiry’s report of last year should have been a triumph for the victims of this scandal, but a year on, we see the community heartbroken and deflated once again.
It is shocking that the Inquiry has had to reopen and we will continue to support its work. With people dying every week, time is running out for the Government to redress the great injustice that has taken place. We urge them to listen to the community and act on the recommendations that will be made by the Inquiry.” Rachel Halford, CEO