The infected blood inquiry is holding two more days of hearings amid concerns about the government’s response on compensation, with campaigners warning they are “losing faith”. It comes nearly a year after the final report was published into the scandal – said to be the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.
More than 30,000 people contracted HIV and hepatitis from contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 80s – and 3,000 people have since died. Victims groups have since said the government has been slow to pay out compensation and the process was lacking transparency.
The government said it was “fully-committed” to cooperating with the inquiry. It is continuing to act on the inquiry’s recommendations, adding: “The victims of this scandal have suffered unspeakably.”
The infected blood compensation authority has nearly £12 billion set aside for payments, but by mid March just 40 payouts had been agreed. The government has given itself until the end of 2029 to make payments.
In evidence sent to the inquiry, victims and their lawyers criticised the length of time it was taking and described “shambolic” and “chaotic” meetings, with problems starting before and continuing after July’s election.
Sir Brian Langstaff, inquiry chair, said: “The decision to hold hearings has not been taken lightly. It reflects the gravity of concerns expressed consistently and repeatedly to the inquiry. People infected and affected do not have time on their side.”
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