Blood scandal inquiry ‘should be judge-led’

AN INQUIRY into the contaminated blood scandal which killed 70 people in Wales should be judge-led.

That’s according to Haemophilia Wales, the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru – who have criticised claims by a parliamentary group that a judge was “not essential”.

Thousands of NHS patients were given blood products from abroad that were infected with hepatitis C and HIV. At least 2,400 people died, including 70 from Wales.

It was caused by the NHS buying blood from suppliers in the United States who used “Skid Row” donors.

A public inquiry is now set to be held into the scandal, which caused “immeasurable hardship and pain” to the victims and their families.

But the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood at Westminster recently issued a statement stating their belief that a judge may not be necessary.

In response, Plaid Cymru AM Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “During a recent meeting of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood in the National Assembly, it was clear that the view in Wales – among sufferers, their families, AMs, Welsh Government, Haemophilia Wales and the CPG – is that this inquiry needs to be judge-led. This is a view that has been shared with me by constituents as well.

“It was important to us to send a message that it should be a judge-led inquiry. That is what our constituents want. Sufferers and their families deserve to have their voices heard.”

Norman Hutchinson, who has been campaigning for an inquiry into the contaminated blood scandal, said: “A judge is uniquely qualified for this role, not just for their legal knowledge but also their experience in chairing tribunals where witnesses give evidence and are cross-examined by lawyers.

“A judge will also be accustomed to being professionally impartial and will ensure that witnesses are properly treated.

“I know that this is the opinion here in Wales.”