Support is available for people who may have been affected by infected blood: NHS England Infected Blood
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Infected Blood Enquiry Report
On 20 May 2024 the Infected Blood Inquiry published its final report
Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.
Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.
All blood donors are screened at every donation and every donation is tested before it is sent to hospitals. Blood services and blood safety has been transformed, not only in terms of technological advances in testing but also in the way donors are recruited and checked they are safe to donate.
Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected have been identified and started appropriate treatment.
However, there may be a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C.
Today, blood is distributed to NHS hospitals by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), which was established in 2005 to provide a national blood and transplantation service to the NHS.
The full inquiry report and supporting information can be found on the Infected Blood Inquiry website.
Useful support and advice
- NHS England have set up a new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support: https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support
- Patients who want more details about the safety of blood from donations in England can find more information here: https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/
- The Haemophilia Society website has detailed information about the Infected Blood Inquiry and links to helpful resources for support.
- NHS Blood and Transplant sets out how it has supported the Inquiry and has answers to common questions about the Infected Blood Inquiry.
- The Red Cross provides a confidential support service to people affected by telephoning: 0800 458 9473 or 020 3417 0280.
- The HBCDA (Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Counselling Association) charity offers online support and counselling specifically for people with bleeding disorders who have been infected through treatment for their bleeding disorder.
- Members of the public can directly order hepatitis C self-testing kits online: hepctest.nhs.uk.