A national service offering bespoke psychological support for people who have been infected and affected by contaminated blood or blood products is now open for referrals.
The Infected Blood Psychological Service (IBPS) began supporting the first cohort of infected and affected people in September 2024, with a full complement of 16 IBPS centres now open across England.
Infected and affected people in England can access the IBPS service via a national telephone line (0300 131 0444) operational 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
After someone has had initial contact with one of the 16 local IBPS centres, and if support is required, then a psychological review will take place and treatment provided by clinicians with specialist expertise in issues facing those infected and affected by contaminated blood or blood products.
More information about the full range of services provided can be found by visiting the IBPS website.
“We welcome NHS England’s announcement that a dedicated psychological therapy service for those both affected and infected by the infected blood scandal has officially launched today.
This marks an important step in addressing the immense harm caused by what remains the gravest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. While the physical consequences of infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are devastating, the wide range of psychological impacts on them and their families is equally profound.
The infected blood community has endured trauma, stigma, and unimaginable loss — often resulting from unethical medical practices and compounded by decades of government denial and cover-ups. Many have suffered not only through the effects of infection and harrowing treatments, but also through the Government’s continued failure to act on the recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry.
While the wait for full justice continues, the launch of this bespoke support service is a much-needed development.
For those seeking more information or in need support in accessing the service, our helpline is available to assist.” Rachel Halford, CEO, Hepatitis C Trust