Contaminated Blood Scandal

A public inquiry into what has been called ‘the worst treatment scandal in the history of the NHS’ is going to start hearing evidence the BBC has reported. There were around 4,800 people with haemophilia infected with hepatitis C or HIV in the 1970s and 1980s, with some 2,000 thought to have died as a consequence.

Furthermore, there may be thousands more exposed through blood transfusions after an operation or childbirth. Hepatitis C is a virus now thought to affect more than 150 million people, which is around 2% of the world population.

However, it was not discovered and named until 1989. In July 2017, it was announced that there was to be a public inquiry into the scandal. Evidence will be considered from approximately 2,500 people affected by the contaminated bloods products. The victims and relatives affected by the scandal, want to learn why many patient records and documents appear to have been lost or destroyed and why warnings about the safety of medicine may have been ignored.

If you feel you or a member of your family may have been affected or have any concerns then please contact Kiran Jalota, Head of Medical Negligence, or any other member of our experienced medical negligence team on 01926 356072.