The inquiry will examine the use by the NHS of blood products that were contaminated with HIV, Hepatitis C and other infections. Many of the products were imported and obtained from high-risk donor pools. Thousands are thought to have died as a result of what Professor Robert Winston has described as “the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS”. Many others still live with the consequences.
For decades campaigners, including those from the haemophilia community, have argued that a full statutory public inquiry was necessary to examine the events that gave rise to the use of infected blood and the consequences that have resulted from it.
Following a government consultation the inquiry has been established under the Inquiries Act 2005. Sir Brian Langstaff, the former High Court judge, has been appointed as Chair. Matthew Hill has been instructed by the Solicitor to the Inquiry, Brian Stanton of the Government Legal Department.
