20 May 2024

The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry was published on Monday, 20 May 2024. This independent public statutory inquiry was established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by national health services in the United Kingdom were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970.

The Inquiry has examined why people were given infected blood and/or infected blood products; the impact on their families; how the authorities (including government) responded; the nature of any support provided following infection; questions of consent; and whether there was a cover-up. The detailed recommendations will be considered by a clinically led NHS England task and finish group, with next steps shared as soon as possible.

We know that the report and the following media coverage may mean that colleagues, patients and the public have concerns about their own health: A new online resource is available for patients and the public to find support services from across the NHS and the Government - https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support. Colleagues will be able to access the usual support services (Health and Wellbeing :: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Intranet and Services Portal).

Important to know: Blood is now distributed to NHS hospitals by NHS Blood and Transplant, which was established in 2005 to provide a national blood and transplantation service to the NHS. Modern safety standards are extremely rigorous and NHS Blood and Transplant's services follow strict guidelines and testing to protect both donors and patients, and are subject to regular inspections by independent regulators. Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients. Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low. All blood donors are screened at every donation and every donation is tested before it is sent to hospitals. Blood services and blood safety has been transformed, not only in terms of technological advances in testing but also in the way donors are recruited and checked they are safe to donate.

Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected have been identified and started appropriate treatment. However, there may be a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C.

If patients or the public express concern about a possible hepatitis C infection, they can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to homes: hepctest.nhs.uk.

Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could develop into chronic hepatitis B. Patients can find out more information here - hepatitis B information.

HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS. Home testing and home sampling kits are also available. Info can be found here HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website.

For more details about the safety of blood from donations in England: https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/.

 

NHS Blood and Transplant

NHS BT committed to do all they could to assist the Inquiry in its search for truth and justice for all, with frankness and transparency. Their corporate website provides information for the public about the Inquiry and our role in providing the safest possible blood and blood components for patient care. To assist they have provided FAQ's. Following publication of the report they will consider carefully how we can implement or assist in implementing the recommendations made by the Infected Blood Inquiry.

Updates will be provided as required.

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