In what was described as a “long-awaited” conclusion, Judge Brian Langstaff, who led the six-year inquiry, said Monday that the scandal “largely, but not entirely” could have been avoided, reports The Guardian.
The infections were spread via transfusions of infected blood in the British public health service, the NHS. The virus entered the system from blood donors mainly in the US – plasma which was then imported into the UK due to domestic shortages.
Destroyed evidence
Findings on how the plasma could be rendered harmless by heating were ignored, apparently for cost reasons, according to the investigation.
Once the scandal was a fact, those in power tried for years to destroy evidence. “When you look at the reaction of the NHS and the state as a whole, the answer to the question is ‘was this covered up?’ that this was the case,” writes Langstaff.
The report also states that there were delays in informing patients about their infection. In some cases it could take several years.
“Day of Shame”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday apologized on behalf of the state to those affected and described Monday as “a day of shame”.
– It didn’t have to be this way. It should never have been this way. And on behalf of this and all other governments, stretching back to the 1970s, I am truly sorry, he said.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer also apologized for his party’s involvement in the scandal. To the British House of Commons he said:
– I want to admit to every single person who has suffered that in addition to all other failures, politics itself has failed.
– There is only one word, sorry.
On Tuesday, it will be announced how much money will be set aside for compensation to the victims and families.
– No matter what it costs, we will pay, said Sunak.