A public inquiry into the infected blood scandal has today published its final report, detailing a 'catalogue of failures' that gave rise to an 'avoidable disaster'.

The inquiry, chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff (pictured above), published seven volumes this lunchtime. 

Volume one, which provided an overview and recommendations, said: 'I have to report a catalogue of failures which caused this to happen. Each on its own is serious. Taken together they are a calamity. Lord Winston famously called these events “the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS”. I have to report that it could largely, though not entirely, have been avoided. And I have to report that it should have been.

'I have also to report systemic, collective and individual failures to deal ethically, appropriately, and quickly, with the risk of infections being transmitted in blood, with the infections when the risk materialised, and with the consequences for thousands of families.'

The inquiry's principal recommendation 'remains that a compensation scheme should be set up now'.

Solicitor Des Collins, legal adviser to over 1,500 victims and their families, said: 'Today is a momentous day and Sir Brian has done the whole infected blood community proud. His report is everything we were hoping for. It talks of wrongs committed systemically collectively and individually. It names names and identifies where opportunities were missed and mistakes made. It confirms there was indeed a cover up and that documents were deliberately destroyed.'

Sir Brian had taken the unusual step of 'keeping the inquiry open whilst he sees the extent to which the government responds, which will be particularly welcomed by my clients', Collins said.

'Clearly we still need to delve into all the detail given it’s a lengthy report. However, from what I have read so far, Sir Brian and his team have delivered a thorough, no-holds-barred, hard-hitting report. On behalf of my clients and all the community I would like to express sincere gratitude and thanks for his and his team’s tireless work which means more to the community than the Inquiry team can ever know.

'While there is still much work to be done on our clients’ behalf, for now, we simply join them in acknowledging this moment – their day of truth and their relief at recognition at last.'

The inquiry began in 2018 to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by the NHS were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970. The inquiry’s terms of reference also covered: the impact on those infected and their families; the response of government and other bodies; consent; communication and information-sharing; treatment care and support; candour; responsibilities; and recommendations.

 

Pictured above: Langstaff (centre) with victims and campaigners today