London, UK – A damning report from a five-year investigation has unveiled that authorities knowingly exposed victims to unacceptable risks in the infected blood scandal, accusing doctors, the government, and the NHS of causing thousands to catch HIV and hepatitis.
The Infected Blood Inquiry found that more than 30,000 people were infected between 1970 and 1991 due to contaminated blood products and transfusions. Tragically, around 3,000 of those infected have died, with more deaths expected in the future.
The inquiry, chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff, concluded that victims had been failed repeatedly by those responsible for their safety. Despite the known risks of viral infections in blood products since the NHS’s inception in 1948, patients were exposed to significant dangers, including:
– Continued Importation of Risky Blood Products: Despite pledges to become self-sufficient, blood products were imported from high-risk donors in the US, including prisoners and drug addicts.
– Licensing Failures: The licensing regime failed to recognize the dangers of these blood products, allowing their continued use.
– Sourcing from High-Risk UK Populations: Blood donations were sourced from high-risk groups, including UK prisoners, until 1986.
– Delayed Heat Treatment for HIV: It took until the end of 1985 to start heat-treating blood products to eliminate HIV, despite known risks since 1982.
– Ignored Warnings: In 1983, the government ignored warnings from Dr. Spence Galbraith, a top infectious disease expert, about the risks of imported US blood products.
– Lack of Hepatitis Testing: There was a delay in hepatitis C screening, and attempts to trace those previously infected were delayed by four years.
The report described the scale of what happened as “horrifying,” with Sir Brian stating that authorities were slow to respond to the risks. He highlighted a “lack of openness, inquiry, accountability, and elements of downright deception,” including the destruction of documents.
Sir Brian emphasized that the cover-up involved not just deliberate concealment but also half-truths and failing to inform patients of the risks and alternatives. He lamented that the scandal had destroyed lives, dreams, friendships, families, and finances, and the death toll continues to rise weekly.
The inquiry revealed that around 380 children with bleeding disorders contracted HIV from blood products, many dying in childhood or young adulthood. It criticized the treatment of these children without informed consent, calling it unconscionable.
Sir Brian also criticized the delay in calling a public inquiry, noting that many key figures had died or were too frail to give evidence by the time it began in 2017. He singled out Prof. Arthur Bloom, a leading haematologist in the 1970s and 80s, for overly influencing government views on Aids and downplaying its threat to those with bleeding disorders.
The scandal primarily affected two groups: those with haemophilia and similar disorders, and people who had blood transfusions after childbirth, accidents, or medical treatments. The former received contaminated Factor VIII and IX treatments, while the latter received contaminated blood transfusions, primarily with hepatitis C.
In response to interim reports from the inquiry, the government has acknowledged the moral case for compensation, with interim payouts of £100,000 each made to about 4,000 survivors and bereaved partners. Final compensation is still pending, with costs likely to run into billions.
Clive Smith of the Haemophilia Society stated that the cover-up findings were “no surprise” to their community and called for immediate government action. He emphasized the need for accountability and implementation of public inquiry recommendations.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to issue an apology later today, marking a significant step towards addressing the long-standing grievances of the affected individuals and their families.