Infected Blood Inquiry: Five Things We Have Learned

1. The scale of the contaminated blood scandal is far greater than previously thought. Thousands of haemophiliacs and other patients were infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.

2. The inquiry has revealed shocking levels of negligence and cover-ups within the health service. Documents have shown that warnings about the risks of contaminated blood were ignored, and patients were not informed of the dangers.

3. Families of those affected have spoken out about the devastating impact of the infections on their loved ones. Many have lost family members to the diseases contracted through contaminated blood.

4. The inquiry has highlighted the need for better regulation and oversight of blood products and the healthcare system as a whole. It has raised questions about how such a tragedy could have been allowed to happen.

5. The testimonies of survivors and families have brought to light the human cost of the contaminated blood scandal. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and justice in healthcare systems.

Overall, the Infected Blood Inquiry has been a sobering and eye-opening investigation that has exposed the failings of the healthcare system in handling blood products and protecting patients. It is a tragedy that should never be repeated.