During the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of people in the UK were infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and/or HIV by blood or blood products administered to them by the NHS. These include people who received blood transfusions following accidents or in childbirth, and those – particularly those with haemophilia or other bleeding disorders – who received regular treatment through blood products. Many have died, and the lives of thousands of others have been profoundly affected as a result of what is now regarded as one of the most significant adverse public health events in the history of the NHS.
Emma-Louise Fenelon joins the legal team representing the Department of Health and Social Care, and along with Leanne Woods, is instructed by Nicola Griffiths at the Government Legal Department.
Other members of Chambers are also involved in the Inquiry. Neil Sheldon QC represents a leading Medical Defence Union and Shaheen Rahman QC is instructed on behalf of a Professor of Haematology. Matthew Hill, Michael Deacon and Charlotte Gilmartin have been appointed as Junior Counsel to the Inquiry. Christian Howells is instructed by Watkins and Gunn for 300 Welsh and Northern Irish Core Participants.
Listen to Jim Duffy and Rosalind English discuss the Infected Blood Inquiry on ep. 17 of our podcast Law Pod UK.
