The national Infected Blood Inquiry

The national Infected Blood Inquiry published its final report on Monday 20 May 2024 into the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by the NHS between 1970 and 1991 were given infected blood, and blood products.

The report, carried out by Sir Brian Langstaff, found that 30,000 people had been infected as a result of contaminated blood products, and both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, issued public apologies for the serious failings identified in the report, and the life-altering and life-limiting illnesses experienced by thousands of people as a result.

We appreciate that patients and members of the public may have questions about the report, and what it means for their own care, or the care of their friends and family. A webpage on the NHS.UK website has been created to provide you with information and to help signpost you to the resources available.

Today, all blood donated in the UK has been screened using rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients. Since screening has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.

The report

The Infected Blood Inquiry has created an infected blood inquiry website where you can access detailed information about the report, including the lessons learned and key recommendations for the NHS.

Patients and members of the public

If you had a blood transfusion or blood products before 1996, there’s a chance you may have been given infected blood. For patients and members of the public who think they may have been affected by infected blood, information is available on the NHS website.

For patients and members of the public concerned about HIV, hepatitis C or hepatitis B specifically, the NHS offers free testing. The NHS website provides information on HIV testing, or for hepatitis C testing. More information on hepatitis B is available. 

Patients who have had care at Guy's and St Thomas' with questions about the report and what it means for them should speak to a member of staff during their next hospital visit, use the contact details in MyChart, or contact PALS.

UK Infected Blood Support Schemes

UK Infected Blood Support Schemes (IBSS) provide regular support payments to people who received infected blood or blood products before September 1991 and are registered on the scheme.

You can apply to an IBBS if you have been historically infected with hepatitis C and/or HIV from NHS blood or blood products. More information is availble on The Hepatitis Trust website including contact telephone numbers and email addresses for each national centre.

If you need more information on the payment scheme, please visit GOV.UK website.