Two Birmingham hospitals have formally apologised after being criticised in a comprehensive report on the infected blood scandal, deemed the most severe treatment disaster in NHS history. Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital were highlighted for their historical failures, which were disclosed in an inquiry revealing repeated failures that led to the tragedy.
Between 1970 and 1991, over 30,000 patients were infected with HIV and hepatitis C due to contaminated blood or blood products. The public inquiry, conducted over five years and released on Monday, May 20, concluded that the deaths of 3,000 individuals treated with tainted blood were not accidental. It also found evidence of a systematic cover-up involving politicians, doctors, and civil servants.
The Prime Minister has pledged compensation for the victims, describing the report’s release as a “day of national shame.” Both Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital issued apologies to those impacted by the disaster in separate statements.
During the 1970s, commercial concentrates, which carried a higher risk of hepatitis, were extensively used to treat haemophilia patients. Birmingham Children’s Hospital was among several paediatric haemophilia centres criticised for this practice.
The inquiry report highlighted that treatment regimes at specific hospitals, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital, were unacceptable. It stated that most clinicians responsible for treating children with haemophilia failed to adequately consider the risks to their patients, despite having the necessary information to make better decisions. As a result, many children suffered unnecessarily.
The Chief Executive of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust expressed deep apologies on behalf of the trust, acknowledging the immense pain caused to the affected families. He emphasised that while significant changes have made blood supply in the country among the safest globally, this provides little solace to those impacted by past practices. The trust welcomed the inquiry’s findings and recommendations, recognising the importance of addressing historical wrongs.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital was also criticised in the report, particularly concerning one of its former senior staff members, who was aware of the risks posed by commercial concentrates but failed to halt their use. The report cited evidence from the 1970s indicating concerns about hepatitis risks from commercial blood products, which were not adequately addressed.
In response, the hospital issued a statement extending sincere apologies to all those affected by the tragedy. The hospital affirmed its commitment to supporting those impacted and to collaborating with NHS organisations to implement further recommendations from the inquiry.
The public inquiry additionally found that many patients were given false reassurances, children underwent unnecessary treatments, and evidence was deliberately destroyed. Victims from the West Midlands have expressed a sense of validation following the release of the report.
A victim from Worcestershire stated that the report confirmed what campaigners had been asserting for decades, validating their long-standing efforts with the authoritative findings of a high court judge.
The apologies from Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital mark a significant acknowledgment of the historical failings that led to this healthcare catastrophe. The implementation of the inquiry’s recommendations will be crucial in ensuring such a tragedy does not occur again, and in providing some measure of justice to those affected. As the nation reflects on this dark chapter in its medical history, the focus will remain on supporting the victims and preventing future failures in patient care.
