In the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of haemophilia patients were infected with contaminated blood. Over a thousand patients contracted HIV, at least 3,900 with Hepatitis C, and at least 1,200 patients have since died as a result - though some estimates place this quantity at higher than 2,400.
For several years, I have been vocal in calling for the Government to grant an inquiry into the scandal and to bring justice to the sufferers and the families and loved ones of those who sadly passed away. This year these calls were realised with the commencement of an inquiry which could last well over two years. The public inquiry is looking at how thousands of NHS patients were given infected blood products during the 1970s and 1980s in what has been dubbed the worst-ever NHS treatment disaster. This scandal has affected far more people than we can ascertain, including several local residents within Worthing.
This week the Government Enquiry into the Contaminated Blood Scandal began.
We can be grateful that some justice is finally within reach for those whose lives have been altered or shortened by the tragedy. Victims now have the opportunity to work closely with the investigation and bring their evidence and testimonies forwards.
So far I have attended every day of the Enquiry's proceedings and will continue to do so as much as possible. I am encouraged to see justice beginning to be delivered to those most affected by contaminated blood products.
This scandal has affected far more people than we can ascertain, including several local residents within Worthing. One such story can be read here: https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/infected-blood-product-cost-my-hus…
Further news and information will become available as the enquiry progresses.
