Blood contamination inquiry set to get under way in Belfast

Blood
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 21st May 2019

A public inquiry into blood contamination, which has been described as the worst tragedy to hit the NHS, will begin in Belfast today (Tuesday).

It is looking into the treatment of thousands of people in the 1970s and 80s who were given blood products infected with hepatitis viruses and HIV.

Across the UK, at least 2,400 died as a result of being treated with infected blood products during blood transfusions and other treatments.

A total of 5,000 were infected with HIV and hepatitis C - many came from Northern Ireland.

The hearings will run until Friday at the Waterfront Hall, as part of a regional hearing process covering the UK.