Medical Negligence Lawyers Welcome Final Report Into Infected Blood Scandal But Say “It’s Taken Far Too Long” For Justice

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed the publication of the report into the infected blood scandal, but have expressed concerns over an “unacceptable” delay in the investigation and compensation of impacted individuals and families.

Thousands of people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Infected Blood Inquiry was announced in 2017. Sir Brian Langstaff took evidence at the public inquiry between 2019 and 2023.

Catherine Slattery, a group actions medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell represents people who have received contaminated blood.

Expert Opinion

“While we welcome the final report into the infected blood scandal, it’s taken far too long for the findings to be heard and answers established.

“What happened remains deeply concerning and there’s been a significant delay in the report being made public. It’s left many victims, living with serious health conditions, or their families, in limbo over the future.

“Sadly we know that patients continue to be impacted by infected blood, and that this is not a historical issue.

“It’s disappointing and unacceptable that they’ve been forced to wait so long. We hope, however, that the report will now provide them with justice, and they will be awarded the compensation they deserve.

“We also hope that lessons will be learned to help prevent something like this happening in the future.” Catherine Slattery

Find out more on the Infected Blood Inquiry.

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