‘Axe Health Dept from blood probe’
THE former bishop drafted in to save the contaminated blood inquiry backs calls for the Department of Health to be removed from the proceedings.
Some 2,400 people died after getting hepatitis and HIV through transfusions in the 1970s and 80s.
The Right Reverend James Jones, who chaired the Hillsborough panel, said he agreed with campaigners who want an independent body to lead the inquiry. In a letter, he said: “I agree with you that DH cannot be responsible for investigating DH. It would be an offence to natural justice.”
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt brought Rev Jones in after the inquiry, set up by the PM last month, was boycotted over the department’s role in it.