Britain to hold inquiry into contaminated blood that killed 2400 people
During the 1970s and 1980s, blood products supplied to the NHS were contaminated with viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C and infected thousands of people with hemophilia or other bleeding disorders
Britain will hold a public inquiry into contaminated blood supplied to patients in the state-run National Health Service which killed at least 2,400 people, the government said on Tuesday. During the 1970s and 1980s, blood products supplied to the NHS were contaminated with viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C and infected thousands of people with hemophilia or other bleeding disorders. Health minister Philip Dunne said many documents were publicly available which gave a comprehensive picture of events and decisions made at the time. "However, I recognise for those affected these steps do not go far enough to provide the answers that they want to get to the truth of what happened," he told parliament. "In light of these concerns and a report of new evidence and allegations of potential criminality, we think it is important to understand the extent of what is claimed and the wider issues that arise." Families of victims will be consulted to decide what form the inquiry would take. A re...
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