The UK Infected Blood Inquiry: A Personal Reflection.

Abstract

The UK Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI) considered the transfusion transmitted infections hepatitis B and C, HIV, and vCJD. The inquiry lasted 6 years during 2018 to 2024 and reported to the UK parliament on 20 May, 2024. It concluded that at least 3000 people died because of the recklessness and obstinacy of officialdom and it has been reported that victims may be compensated an estimated £12 bn-£14 bn ($16 bn-$18 bn). This personal reflection considers people with the bleeding disorder haemophilia, who were infected with blood products. The longevity of both the understanding of the infections, as well as the long natural history of the infections themselves, is set in the context of the medicine practiced by physicians with whom the author was taught and practiced over a period of 40 years. These physicians used blood products to advance the care and life expectancy of patients whilst the ill understood and unforeseen side effects of treatment were slowly elucidated: their contributions were severely criticised but their evidence could not be presented through ill health or death. It is recommended that 'no-fault compensation' schemes should be provided, especially in the era of new and sometimes irreversible therapies, and evidence-based medicine is protected.