Reports on latest clinical thinking
We have today (4 February 2020) published four reports written by the Inquiry’s expert groups on: the psychosocial impact of infection with HIV, hepatitis C and other viruses; on hepatitis; on HIV; and on bleeding and blood disorders. The Inquiry Chair, Sir Brian Langstaff, appointed experts as leaders in their various fields to provide independent expertise in a way that is transparent, and subject to scrutiny at Inquiry hearings.
These four reports are being published in advance of the expert hearings from 24 to 28 February. The hearings are intended to establish the clinical context for the health conditions outlined in the evidence already heard from people infected and affected, and to prepare for the hearings with decision makers from June onwards. Neither the reports nor the hearings will comment on the specific treatment or decision making for any of the people who have given evidence to the Inquiry.
It is for the Inquiry Chair to determine what happened and why, and the reports will help inform the Inquiry’s work. The reports were written in response to the Inquiry’s letters of instruction. The experts were asked to explain in their reports what is now known and understood, and not to give an opinion on what a clinician at the time either knew, or ought to have known.
During the February hearings, the relevant groups of experts will be questioned by Inquiry Counsel on their particular areas of expertise. The names of the experts who will be speaking at the hearings will be published in mid February.
Any questions about the work of the experts should be directed to the Inquiry through contact@infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk
You can read the expert reports and find out more information about the experts and the letters of instruction here.
The Inquiry’s intermediaries will also be speaking at the February hearings. You can read their report here.
You can register to attend the February hearings here.