The Blood Inquiry Final Report - Information for our patients

On Monday (20th May) we saw publication of the final report from the infected blood inquiry. Led by Sir Brian Langstaff KC, the report follows an independent public statutory inquiry that was established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by national health services in the UK were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970.

The inquiry has examined why people were given infected blood and/or infected blood products; the impact on their families; how the authorities (including government) responded and the nature of any support provided following infection, amongst other areas. 

We know that our patients may be concerned about their own health following recent media coverage, so we wanted to let you know about a new online resource, from the NHS, to help people find help and support - https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support

Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.

Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low. 

All blood donors are screened at every donation and every donation is tested before it is sent to hospitals. Blood services and blood safety has been transformed, not only in terms of technological advances in testing but also in the way donors are recruited and checked they are safe to donate.

Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected have been identified and started appropriate treatment. However, there may be a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C.

If you are concerned about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to your home visit hepctest.nhs.uk.

Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could develop into chronic hepatitis B.  Patients can find out more information here - hepatitis B information

HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS.  Home testing and home sampling kits are also available.  You can find out more about HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website.

Patients who want more details about the safety of blood from donations in England can find more information here:  https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/

Published on 24 May 2024