The Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI) is examining why potentially infected blood transfusions and blood products were given to patients by the NHS in the 1970s and 1980s, the impact on their families, how the authorities responded and the care and support provided to those infected and their families, carers and loved ones.
The inquiry will mainly focus on the transmission of hepatitis C and HIV before effective screening tests were available. The blood services began routinely screening donations for hepatitis B in 1972, screening for HIV in 1985 and screening for hepatitis C in 1991.
More information about the IBI is available at: https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/
Public Health England have published information and answers to frequently asked questions here (link to /file/813205/Information_for_patients_on_the_Infected_Blood_Inquiry.pdf)
The Inquiry is examining the financial assistance provided to people infected through blood and blood products. The Inquiry has heard considerable concerns about the lack of compensation and the problems with financial support. A number of people have also raised the lack of support for people infected with hepatitis B as a result of financial support being initially limited to people infected with HIV and then provided to people infected with HCV.
People with either hepatitis C or B can become involved in the Inquiry or share their story by completing an Expression of Interest form which can be found on the Inquiry website here.
If you are worried that you may have been infected with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C by blood products you should seek medical advice from your GP.
