Inquiry terms of reference published
By Haemnet
The Terms of Reference have been published for the public inquiry to investigate historical cases of infection from blood and blood products. They can be downloaded from here.
The Inquiry will examine why men, women and children in the UK were given infected blood and/or infected blood products; the impact on their families; how the authorities (including government) responded; the nature of any support provided following infection; questions of consent; and whether there was a cover-up.
The reaction from patient campaigning groups has been largely positive. Haemophilia Wales and the Cross Party Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood have said they “cover everything that had been asked for in our submission.” The Haemophilia Society has welcomed the announcement. Chief Executive Liz Carroll said: “The final terms of reference appear to cover all the essential elements and areas of investigation that our members wanted to see. This Inquiry has been a long time coming and The Society is committed to seeking the truth and will not rest until justice is achieved for all.”
Cathy Harrison, chair of the Haemophilia Nurse Association, echoed these comments, adding: “Many within the bleeding disorders community have campaigned for a full public inquiry for many years. We support them and their families in the hope that this will finally give them the resolution they seek. We also hope it will ensure that the lessons learned protect the bleeding disorders community and others from any such tragedy in the future.”
Cathy has also received a document from Sir Brian Langstaff regarding the terms of reference, and his request for evidence. You can download this here.