The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry sheds light on the disturbing mistreatment of haemophiliac children at Lord Mayor Treloar College, Hampshire, during the 1970s and 80s, revealing shocking revelations of contaminated blood products and unethical medical practices.
Infected Blood Scandal at Treloar College: Key Findings from Inquiry Report
The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry reveals harrowing details about the treatment of haemophiliac children at Lord Mayor Treloar College in Hampshire during the 1970s and 80s. The inquiry, led by Sir Brian Langstaff, highlighted that children were used as “objects for research” and given infected blood products, resulting in widespread infections of hepatitis and HIV.
What and When
Between 1970 and 1987, Treloar’s, a boarding school with an on-site NHS haemophilia center, treated boys with plasma blood products that were later found to be contaminated. Of the 122 haemophiliac pupils, only 30 are still alive.
Findings
The report found significant medical research conducted on the children, often without their or their parents’ consent. Treatments with high-risk commercial concentrates were administered unnecessarily, with staff prioritizing research over patient safety. It was noted that clinicians were aware of the infection risks but proceeded to use the infected products to further their research.
Testimonies
Steve Nicholls, a former pupil from Farnham, Surrey, recounted that only two of his twenty classmates survived. Ade Goodyear, another survivor, shared his traumatic experience of being diagnosed with HIV after being treated with the infected blood products at age nine.
Broader Context
The infected blood scandal affected over 30,000 individuals between the 1970s and 1991, leading to over 3,000 deaths. The inquiry report describes a pervasive cover-up involving deliberate destruction of documents and misinformation from government authorities, including the assertion of providing the “best treatment available.” The report holds successive governments chiefly responsible, highlighting failures to introduce safer blood screening practices and continued use of blood products from high-risk donors.
Conclusion
The inquiry called for a comprehensive compensation scheme and emphasized the need for a significant cultural and procedural overhaul in the NHS and related government bodies to prevent similar incidents in the future. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to issue a formal apology.
