The Trust has welcomed today’s announcement by the prime minister that a UK-wide inquiry will be held into the contaminated blood scandal that left at least 2,400 people dead. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40566761)
Commenting, Andrew Langford, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, said
“The British Liver Trust has been calling for an inquiry into the use of contaminated blood in the 1970s and 1980s and we welcome the prime minister’s announcement today. Thousands of people were infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV following blood transfusions and they deserve to know the truth about what exactly happened and the degree of negligence that occurred. We also need to ensure that similar mistakes never happen again.
We believe that most people infected by contaminated blood have now been diagnosed but if anyone is concerned, they should see their doctor.
Although some of those infected with Hepatitis C and HIV by contaminated blood have been able to apply for compensation, those with Hepatitis B have not been eligible and this inequity should be urgently addressed.”