Infected Blood Inquiry statement

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has issued the following statement:

Professor Marc Turner, Director of SNBTS, said:

"The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) understands and empathises with the profound impact the tragic events that have been the subject of this Inquiry have had on infected and affected people.

“We acknowledge the findings of the Inquiry and sincerely apologise for the historical failings described.

“We would like to thank the Inquiry for its tireless work and will review the Final Report and its recommendations very carefully. 

“Modern safety standards are very strict to make sure it's safe for donors to give blood and that the donation is safe for patients to receive. Rigorous donor selection and testing focus on minimising the risk of passing on infection by blood transfusion.

“The safety and sustainability of our blood supply remains our utmost priority, along with our commitment to ensure lessons from that period have been learned.”

The NHS Scotland Health Board response:

On behalf of the NHS in Scotland:

“Our deepest sympathies are with the patients who were infected by the use of blood products and their loved ones.

“We sincerely apologise for the historical failings described in the Infected Blood Inquiry and empathise with the impact these events had on infected and affected people.

“We welcome the publication of this Inquiry, and we would like to thank the Chair and staff for the work undertaken to produce this comprehensive report.

“Modern safety standards are rigorous, and significant advancements in screening and testing protocols have been made since the events that have been the subject of this Inquiry. All donated blood then undergoes thorough testing before being used for transfusions.

“NHS Scotland is committed to ensuring lessons from these events have been learned as we continue to prioritise a safe and sustainable blood supply across Scotland.”

There's more information on the Infected Blood Inquiry available here: https://www.scotblood.co.uk/about-blood/infected-blood-inquiry/