The Infected Blood Inquiry

This week has seen publication of the long awaited Infected Blood Inquiry, which has conducted a comprehensive investigation into the catalogue of failures that led to more than 30,000 individuals being infected with blood borne viruses, including hepatitis C and HIV. More than 3000 have died of complications following these infections and countless more have suffered miserably as a consequence. The inquiry began in 2018 and has examined millions of documents and witness statements to determine the how this health disaster could have happened. The Report makes hard reading and found systemic, collective and individual failures, including evidence of institutional cover-ups at Government and NHS levels. There are many important recommendations that are vital to ensure a safe, effective and transparent practice in the NHS so it is important that all of those working in the NHS read the report and take action to implement the recommendations.

Many gastroenterologists and hepatologists will have patients under our care who acquired hepatitis (and other blood borne viruses) from infected blood and have had treatment for these infections. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those who have needlessly suffered because of the failings outlined in this report.

Dr Coral Hollywood, VP Hepatology

Prof Stuart McPherson, Deputy VP Hepatology

Dr Tim Cross, President of BASL

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