The Archer Inquiry 2007 to 2009
The Haemophilia Society first called for a Public Inquiry in December 1988. Since that time Government after Government have refused to hold one resulting in many of those affected living without proper support; leaving questions unanswered; and lessons unlearned.
On March 14th 2007 the Haemophilia Society President The RT Hon The Lord Morris of Mancester announced that former Solicitor General The RT Hon The Lord Archer of Sandwell QC had agreed to conduct a privately funded Independent Public Inquiry.
Lord Archer’s terms of reference were: “To investigate the circumstances surrounding the supply to patients of contaminated NHS blood and blood products; its consequences for the haemophilia community and others afflicted; and suggest further steps to address both their problems and needs and those of bereaved families”.
The Inquiry took written and oral evidence from a wide range of witnesses and after careful deliberation published it's report on the 23rd of February 2009.
The Report made far reaching recommendations for improving the support given to those who were infected and their families. It also made detailed recommendations for improving patient participation in decision making as the best way of preventing a similar disaster in the future.
The Haemophilia Society has formally adopted the full implementation of the Archer Report as the objective of its campaign.
The RT Hon The Lord Morris of Mancester too the Archer Report and produced the Contaminated Blood (Bereaved Persons) Bill which he introduced into the House of Lords. Having passed extremely quickly the Labour Government refused to provide parliamentary time for it to be debated in the Commons and consistantly objected to it proceeding without a debate causing it to fall.
Following the 2010 General Election The RT Hon The Lord Morris of Manchester has reintroduced the Bill in the House of Lords.
