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What is the infected blood scandal and will victims get compensation? What is the infected blood scandal and will victims get compensation?
(about 16 hours later)
More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.
A public inquiry has described the scale of the scandal as "horrifying" and accused doctors, the government and NHS of repeatedly failing patients.A public inquiry has described the scale of the scandal as "horrifying" and accused doctors, the government and NHS of repeatedly failing patients.
Victims are campaigning for billions of pounds in compensation, with the government due to set out details of payments on Tuesday.Victims are campaigning for billions of pounds in compensation, with the government due to set out details of payments on Tuesday.
Who was given infected blood and how many died?Who was given infected blood and how many died?
Two main groups of NHS patients were affected by what is known as the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Two main groups of NHS patients were affected by what has been called the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.
Firstly, haemophiliacs - and those with similar disorders - who have a rare genetic condition which means their blood does not clot properly, external.Firstly, haemophiliacs - and those with similar disorders - who have a rare genetic condition which means their blood does not clot properly, external.
People with haemophilia A have a shortage of a clotting agent called Factor VIII, while people with haemophilia B don't have enough Factor IX.People with haemophilia A have a shortage of a clotting agent called Factor VIII, while people with haemophilia B don't have enough Factor IX.
In the 1970s, a new treatment using donated human blood plasma was developed to replace these clotting agents.In the 1970s, a new treatment using donated human blood plasma was developed to replace these clotting agents.
But whole batches were contaminated with deadly viruses.But whole batches were contaminated with deadly viruses.
After being given the infected treatments, about 1,250 people in the UK with bleeding disorders developed both HIV and hepatitis C, including 380 children.After being given the infected treatments, about 1,250 people in the UK with bleeding disorders developed both HIV and hepatitis C, including 380 children.
Colin Smith, who died aged seven, was one of 380 children now thought to have been infected with HIV through contaminated blood products.Colin Smith, who died aged seven, was one of 380 children now thought to have been infected with HIV through contaminated blood products.
Colin Smith, who died aged seven, was one of 380 children now thought to have been infected with HIV through contaminated blood products.Colin Smith, who died aged seven, was one of 380 children now thought to have been infected with HIV through contaminated blood products.
Around two-thirds later died of Aids-related illnesses. Some unintentionally gave HIV to their partners.Around two-thirds later died of Aids-related illnesses. Some unintentionally gave HIV to their partners.
Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C on its own, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C on its own, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.
It is difficult to know the exact number of people infected with hepatitis C, partly because it can take decades for symptoms to appear.It is difficult to know the exact number of people infected with hepatitis C, partly because it can take decades for symptoms to appear.
A second group of patients were given contaminated blood transfusions after childbirth, surgery or other medical treatment between 1970 and 1991.A second group of patients were given contaminated blood transfusions after childbirth, surgery or other medical treatment between 1970 and 1991.
The inquiry estimates between 80 and 100 were infected with HIV, and about 27,000 with hepatitis C. The inquiry estimates between 80 and 100 of these people were infected with HIV, and about 27,000 with hepatitis C.
In total, it's thought about 2,900 people have died.In total, it's thought about 2,900 people have died.
The Haemophilia Society believes 650 people infected with contaminated blood products, or their bereaved partners, have died since the inquiry was announced in 2017.
What has the infected blood inquiry said?What has the infected blood inquiry said?
Announcing its findings on Monday, the inquiry said victims had been failed "not once, but repeatedly". Announcing its findings, the inquiry said victims had been failed "not once, but repeatedly", and that the risk of viral infections in blood products had been known since 1948.
It said patient safety was not at the heart of decision making and that the risk of viral infections in blood products had been known since 1948.
The report said, external:
Too little was done to stop importing blood products from abroad, which used blood from high-risk donors such as prisoners and drug addicts
Too little was done to stop importing blood products from abroad, which used blood from high-risk donors such as prisoners and drug addicts
In the UK, blood donations were accepted from high-risk groups such as prisoners until 1986
In the UK, blood donations were accepted from high-risk groups such as prisoners until 1986
It took until the end of 1985 to heat-treat blood products to eliminate HIV, although the risks were known in 1982
It took until the end of 1985 to heat-treat blood products to eliminate HIV, although the risks were known in 1982
There was too little testing to reduce the risk of hepatitis, from the 1970s onwards
There was too little testing to reduce the risk of hepatitis, from the 1970s onwards
Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff said there had been a lack of openness from the authorities and elements of "downright deception", including the destruction of documents.Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff said there had been a lack of openness from the authorities and elements of "downright deception", including the destruction of documents.
Half-truths were also told, so people did not know about the risk of their treatment, the availability of alternatives, or even whether they were infected. He said half-truths were also told, so people did not know about the risk of their treatment, the availability of alternatives, or even whether they were infected.
Sir Brian said: "This disaster was not an accident. The infections happened because those in authority - doctors, the blood services and successive governments - did not put patient safety first." "This disaster was not an accident," said Sir Brian. "The infections happened because those in authority - doctors, the blood services and successive governments - did not put patient safety first."
Exact numbers are difficult to establish, but the Haemophilia Society believes 650 people infected with contaminated blood products, or their bereaved partners, have died since the inquiry was announced in 2017. The report said, external:
too little was done to stop importing blood products from abroad, which used blood from high-risk donors such as prisoners and drug addicts
too little was done to stop importing blood products from abroad, which used blood from high-risk donors such as prisoners and drug addicts
in the UK, blood donations were accepted from high-risk groups such as prisoners until 1986
in the UK, blood donations were accepted from high-risk groups such as prisoners until 1986
blood products were not heat treated to eliminate HIV until the end of 1985, although the risks were known in 1982
blood products were not heat treated to eliminate HIV until the end of 1985, although the risks were known in 1982
there was too little testing to reduce the risk of hepatitis, from the 1970s onwards
there was too little testing to reduce the risk of hepatitis, from the 1970s onwards
Will infected blood scandal victims get compensation?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to pay "comprehensive compensation".
Details will be announced on Tuesday and the total cost is likely to run into billions.
The government has been criticised for waiting until after the publication of the report to announce what compensation will be offered.
Bereaved families heckled the prime minister when he told the infected blood inquiry, in July 2023, that the government would act as "quickly as possible".
In late 2022, following advice from the inquiry, the government made interim payments of £100,000 each to around 4,000 surviving victims and some bereaved partners.
In April 2023, Sir Brian said interim compensation should also be offered to the children and parents of those infected.
'Blood compensation comes too late for my husband'
Infected blood inquiry: Read moreInfected blood inquiry: Read more
LIVE: Follow all the latest news and updatesLIVE: Follow all the latest news and updates
LIVE: Follow all the latest news and updatesLIVE: Follow all the latest news and updates
Read more about the victims, families and what happenedRead more about the victims, families and what happened
Read more about the victims, families and what happenedRead more about the victims, families and what happened
I lost mum, dad and sister to HIV in blood scandalI lost mum, dad and sister to HIV in blood scandal
I lost mum, dad and sister to HIV in blood scandalI lost mum, dad and sister to HIV in blood scandal
The school where dozens died in NHS blood scandalThe school where dozens died in NHS blood scandal
The school where dozens died in NHS blood scandalThe school where dozens died in NHS blood scandal
Children used as 'guinea pigs' in clinical trialsChildren used as 'guinea pigs' in clinical trials
Children used as 'guinea pigs' in clinical trialsChildren used as 'guinea pigs' in clinical trials
Hundreds infected with hepatitis C without knowing itHundreds infected with hepatitis C without knowing it
Hundreds infected with hepatitis C without knowing itHundreds infected with hepatitis C without knowing it
How did the infected blood scandal happen?How did the infected blood scandal happen?
In the 1970s, the UK was struggling to meet the demand for blood-clotting treatments, so imported supplies from the US.In the 1970s, the UK was struggling to meet the demand for blood-clotting treatments, so imported supplies from the US.
But much of the blood was bought from high-risk donors such as prison inmates and drug-users.But much of the blood was bought from high-risk donors such as prison inmates and drug-users.
Factor VIII was made by pooling plasma from tens of thousands of donors.Factor VIII was made by pooling plasma from tens of thousands of donors.
If just one was carrying a virus, the entire batch could be contaminated.If just one was carrying a virus, the entire batch could be contaminated.
UK blood donations were not routinely screened for hepatitis C until 1991, 18 months after the virus was first identified.UK blood donations were not routinely screened for hepatitis C until 1991, 18 months after the virus was first identified.
Jackie Britton, from Portsmouth, was infected with hepatitis C through a transfusion after the birth of her daughter in 1983Jackie Britton, from Portsmouth, was infected with hepatitis C through a transfusion after the birth of her daughter in 1983
Jackie Britton, from Portsmouth, was infected with hepatitis C through a transfusion after the birth of her daughter in 1983Jackie Britton, from Portsmouth, was infected with hepatitis C through a transfusion after the birth of her daughter in 1983
When did authorities know about infected blood?When did authorities know about infected blood?
By the mid-1970s, there were repeated warnings that imported US Factor VIII carried a greater risk of infection.By the mid-1970s, there were repeated warnings that imported US Factor VIII carried a greater risk of infection.
But attempts to make the UK more self-sufficient in blood products failed, so the NHS continued using foreign supplies.But attempts to make the UK more self-sufficient in blood products failed, so the NHS continued using foreign supplies.
Campaigners say haemophiliacs could have been offered an alternative treatment called Cryoprecipitate. This was much harder to administer, but was made from the blood plasma of a single donor, lowering the infection risk.Campaigners say haemophiliacs could have been offered an alternative treatment called Cryoprecipitate. This was much harder to administer, but was made from the blood plasma of a single donor, lowering the infection risk.
BBC News has also uncovered evidence children were infected with hepatitis C and HIV after being placed on clinical trials of new treatments - often, without their family's consent.BBC News has also uncovered evidence children were infected with hepatitis C and HIV after being placed on clinical trials of new treatments - often, without their family's consent.
As late as November 1983, the government insisted there was no "conclusive proof" that HIV could be transmitted in blood, a line robustly defended by former health minister Ken Clarke when he appeared before the inquiry.As late as November 1983, the government insisted there was no "conclusive proof" that HIV could be transmitted in blood, a line robustly defended by former health minister Ken Clarke when he appeared before the inquiry.
Carolyn Challis: "I got through two life-threatening rounds of cancer only to be given another life-threatening illness"Carolyn Challis: "I got through two life-threatening rounds of cancer only to be given another life-threatening illness"
Carolyn Challis: "I got through two life-threatening rounds of cancer only to be given another life-threatening illness"Carolyn Challis: "I got through two life-threatening rounds of cancer only to be given another life-threatening illness"
Will infected blood scandal victims get compensation?
After the inquiry published its findings, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the government would pay comprehensive compensation to those infected and affected.
He said that whatever it costs "we will pay it", adding that details would be announced on Tuesday. The total cost is likely to run into billions.
The government has been criticised for waiting until after the publication of the report to announce details of compensation.
In late 2022, following advice from the inquiry, the government made interim payments of £100,000 each to around 4,000 surviving victims and some bereaved partners.
In April 2023, Sir Brian said interim compensation should also be offered to the children and parents of those infected.
What happened in other countries affected by infected blood?What happened in other countries affected by infected blood?
Many other countries were affected, although some - including Finland - used older treatments until much later rather than switch to Factor VIII, which minimised HIV infections, external.Many other countries were affected, although some - including Finland - used older treatments until much later rather than switch to Factor VIII, which minimised HIV infections, external.
Delivering the findings of the inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff criticised UK government claims in the 1990s that screening for hepatitis C began as soon as the technology was available.Delivering the findings of the inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff criticised UK government claims in the 1990s that screening for hepatitis C began as soon as the technology was available.
He said that 23 other countries - including Japan, Finland and Spain - introduced the screening before the UK.He said that 23 other countries - including Japan, Finland and Spain - introduced the screening before the UK.
In the US, companies that supplied infected products have paid out millions in out-of-court settlements.In the US, companies that supplied infected products have paid out millions in out-of-court settlements.
Politicians and drug companies have been convicted of negligence in countries including France and Japan.Politicians and drug companies have been convicted of negligence in countries including France and Japan.
In his evidence to the inquiry, former health secretary Andy Burnham suggested there may be grounds for charges of corporate manslaughter, external in the UK.In his evidence to the inquiry, former health secretary Andy Burnham suggested there may be grounds for charges of corporate manslaughter, external in the UK.
Infected Blood: Time for AnswersInfected Blood: Time for Answers
Jim Reed meets the families of some of the children with bleeding disorders who were infected with HIV, to discuss their campaign for justice and what they hope for from the inquiry.Jim Reed meets the families of some of the children with bleeding disorders who were infected with HIV, to discuss their campaign for justice and what they hope for from the inquiry.
Watch on BBC iPlayer (UK Only)Watch on BBC iPlayer (UK Only)
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