Following on from the recent headlines which have highlighted the serious healthcare failings in the NHS, our litigation solicitor, Joanne Copeland, comments on the infected blood inquiry:
Sir Brian Langstaff, announcing the findings of the infected blood inquiry on 20 May 2024 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”. Sir Langstaff went on to say that there had been a lack of openness from the Authorities and elements of what he called downright deception including destruction of documents. Victims were also left in the situation where they did not know about the risk of their treatment, the availability of alternatives or even whether they had in fact been infected.
The horrifying statistics show that over 30,000 NHS patients have been infected with HIV and Hepatitis C after receiving contaminated blood transfusions in the 1970’s and 80’s. Over 3,000 people have subsequently died and many thousands are living with life changing and continuing illnesses.
The Government have now published plans for a victims’ compensation scheme and given an outline of the compensation which will be awarded. The compensation is expected to run into billions of pounds.
Following on from the inquiry report, PM Sir Keir Starmer has called for a Duty of Candour Law to prevent future coverups by giving public servants a legal responsibility to tell the truth or to face criminal sanctions. The NHS is already applying a Duty of Candour approach to many medical accidents. How this will further develop remains to be seen.
If you’ve been effected by this inquiry or have suffered any other form of medical negligence, Joanne and her team can support you on a No Win, No Fee basis, and enter a claim on your behalf following a medical accident. Get in touch if you would like to discuss your case with our litigation experts.