Infected Blood Inquiry Report Castigates Politicians, Doctors, and Institutions for ‘Disastrous’ Failures and Cover-Up

Infected Blood Inquiry: New Report Assigns Blame

The concluding report of the inquiry into the contaminated blood scandal has pointed fingers at politicians, medical professionals, and various organizations for their roles in the infection of thousands of individuals.

Political correspondent Alix Culbertson

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 4:

An investigation into the contaminated blood crisis has implicated multiple individuals and entities following the deliberate infection of over 30,000 patients with HIV or Hepatitis C.

Chairman of the inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, described the catastrophe as intentional, noting a series of oversights and a widespread concealment by the NHS and various government administrations.

Over 30,000 individuals in the UK contracted HIV and Hepatitis C during the 1970s and 1980s after receiving tainted blood products.

Approximately 3,000 individuals lost their lives, and numerous others continue to suffer from lasting health issues, intensive medical interventions, and societal stigma.

Stay tuned: Live coverage on the contaminated blood inquiry

In his report, Sir Brian specifically called out certain individuals and organizations for criticism.

The list comprised:

Sir Clarke

Lord Kenneth Clarke faced significant criticism from Sir Brian.

He served as a health minister under Margaret Thatcher from 1982 to 1985 and later as the health secretary from 1988 to 1990.

Lord Clarke faced criticism for his seemingly indifferent attitude during his testimony at the inquiry, concerning the procurement of blood from inmates up until 1983.

His behavior was characterized as "confrontational", "unjustly contemptuous", and "belittling" to the victims, with Sir Brian noting that he contributed "to some extent" to their distress.

The report noted it was "unfortunate that he was unable to temper his inherently confrontational manner when stating his opinions."

Sky News reached out to Lord Clarke for his response.

Explore further: Profiles of 100 individuals affected by the contaminated blood

The administration led by

Margaret Thatcher and later administrations, along with health ministers, consistently described the infections as "unintentional" and stated that patients received "the optimal treatment based on the medical guidance available at the time."

The investigation found that the claim was unsubstantiated and noted that the facts supporting it were ambiguous.

"The report stated that embracing this approach was essentially akin to being blind."

"It was unacceptable to adopt it without understanding that it required a solid foundation of evidence, especially since they were unaware of its nature."

From the beginning, the approach was incorrect and it solidified into a rigid doctrine over two decades, turning into a frequently repeated creed.

"It was held sacred. It went unchallenged."

Sir Brian stated that the Thatcher administration failed to react adequately, promptly, and proactively to the dangers of transmitting Hepatitis C and HIV through blood.

He stated that authorities were aware of the significantly elevated rates of Hepatitis among inmates, yet "no measures" were implemented to halt their blood donations, thereby "heightening the risk of spreading" the disease.

He said the primary responsibility for the failure rests with the health departments in Westminster and Scotland.

He noted that in 1983, the Thatcher administration agreed to adopt guidelines from the Council of Europe that called for both healthcare providers and patients to be made aware of treatment risks, but ultimately, they did not implement these guidelines.

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Sir Brian labeled the lack of direction given to physicians regarding the transmission risks of AIDS as "unforgivable".

Regarding compensation, he mentioned that the Thatcher administration made it clear from the beginning that they believed no wrongdoing had occurred, and consequently, no financial aid would be extended to those with bleeding disorders who had contracted HIV.

He also mentioned: "This occurred without conducting any thorough investigation into the origins of the infections or the dire circumstances faced by those affected."

Treloar Educational Institution

Children with hemophilia were enrolled at the Hampshire school, which featured an on-site NHS clinic, enabling them to experience a childhood that was as typical as possible.

Instead, 75 boys succumbed to AIDS and Hepatitis, while another 58 contracted the diseases but lived, during clandestine experiments aimed at evaluating a blood derivative known as Factor 8. This product was derived from blood collected from prisoners, sex workers, and drug users in the United States.

The report clearly stated that doctors at Treloar School were fully aware of the dangers of virus transmission, but they consistently minimized those risks.

Sir Brian pointed out that the school failed to notify some students and parents that the boys were HIV positive, describing this oversight as "unconscionable."

He further stated that Treloar School reflected many of the broader failures observed in the treatment of hemophilia patients by clinicians throughout the UK.

The school expressed in a release: "It deeply saddens us that several of our alumni have suffered such tragic impacts, and we hope that the outcomes of the investigation offer them and their loved ones some comfort."

The statement also emphasized that the leadership is fully dedicated to considering proposals for a public memorial dedicated to those impacted, noting, "We will now take the opportunity to contemplate the broader suggestions made in the report."

Alder Hey Children's Hospital

From the late 1970s, this hospital became the primary facility in Liverpool for treating children who suffered from bleeding disorders.

Sir Brian discovered that doctors continued to treat patients with Factor 8 concentrate tainted with contaminated blood, despite other hemophilia centers ceasing its use on children.

According to the report, Dr. John Martin, who led Alder Hey starting in the mid-1970s, did not see the threat of Hepatitis as a justification for changing any treatment plans.

"He subjected them to completely avoidable dangers," it stated.

Alder Hey stated: "The report released today starkly exposes the severe shortcomings within the NHS at that period and specifically within our hospital."

"We collaborated transparently with the Inquiry team at all times and completely endorse its conclusions."

Professor Arthur Bloom

Dr. Bloom, who passed away in 1992, was a prominent specialist in hemophilia in the country at that time and provided care for several affected individuals.

Sir Brian Langstaff acknowledged that he shares a portion of the blame for the UK's delayed reaction to the dangers of AIDS impacting individuals with hemophilia.

Sir Brian stated that Professor Bloom had claimed he was not aware of any evidence connecting infections to the blood products and had mentioned that there was no necessity to alter the treatment of patients.

He further stated, "Unfortunately, the Department of Health and Social Security was excessively swayed by his recommendations, especially his suggestion to keep importing commercial factor concentrates."

The National Health

Sir Brian stated that the actions of the NHS and the government indicated that there was no substantial scheme to conceal shortcomings as part of a coordinated effort to deceive.

"He described it as being subtly more far-reaching and disturbing in its implications," he noted.

"To preserve reputation and cut costs, a significant amount of the truth has been concealed."

He also discovered that patients were deliberately subjected to unnecessary dangers of infection, with transfusions often administered without medical necessity.

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The report additionally noted that no contact tracing efforts were undertaken when screenings for Hepatitis C were initiated.

Sir Brian stated that both the NHS and government authorities consistently overlooked the fact that individuals should not have been subjected to infections, despite awareness of the scandal.

On Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a comprehensive and absolute apology to the victims, describing it as a "day of shame for the British state."

He stated that the results of the investigation should deeply disturb the entire country and committed to providing thorough compensation to the infected individuals and those impacted.

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In an online statement, the NHS declared: "Beginning in September 1991, all blood donated within the UK undergoes extensive screening and testing to maintain the highest safety standards, ensuring the protection of both donors and recipients.

"Since the implementation of screening procedures, the likelihood of contracting an infection through a blood transfusion or blood products has become extremely minimal."

NHS England's leader Amanda Pritchard expressed her desire to echo Mr. Sunak's earlier apology by extending a similar sentiment for both current and past actions on behalf of the NHS in England.

She continued, "I am aware that my current apologies barely scratch the surface of the immense personal tragedies described in this report, but we are dedicated to showing our commitment through our actions as we address the recommendations laid out in the report."

"As we progress with these measures, we remain in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care to set up a tailored mental health support service for the impacted individuals, which is scheduled to begin assisting its initial patients by the end of this summer." Sky News has gathered the accounts of 100 individuals impacted by this issue, stories that have been shared by either the victims themselves or their families – to read them, click on the images below.

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