08.03.11
Contaminated blood inquiry begins hearing evidence
An inquiry into contaminated blood given to haemophilia sufferers and other patients in the 1970s and 80s is getting underway.
The inquiry, ordered by the Scottish Government, began two years ago under the chairmanship of Lord Penrose.
It is now due to begin collecting evidence and will hear what patients were told, how they were monitored and why patients became infected with hepatitis C and HIV.
Witnesses will give oral evidence at the hearings, being held in Edinburgh all month. Speakers will include relatives of the victims, hepatologists and representatives from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS).
The inquiry will not result in people or organisations being held criminally liable, but Lord Penrose has said that ‘actions and failures’ may be identified.
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