Tomorrow (12.06.08) the Independent Public Inquiry into contaminated blood and blood products will hold its final hearing.
The Chief Executive of the Haemophilia Society, Chris James said: -
"The Haemophilia Society is deeply grateful to The Rt Hon The Lord Archer of Sandwell QC and his colleagues for undertaking this vitally important investigation and for all their efforts over the 15 months they have been taking evidence.
"Regretfully the Inquiry’s commitment to uncovering the truth has not been matched by the Department of Health. The actions of Government in response to this worst ever disaster in the history of the NHS have been criticised by many of the witnesses, including the Haemophilia Society, during the course of the Inquiry. Notwithstanding the Inquiry's success in securing documents and private meetings with officials we are deeply disappointed that the Government hasn't asked to attend a public hearing of the Inquiry and give evidence.
"Whilst many seriously ill people living with disabilities have travelled hundred’s of miles to give evidence, Ministers have not been prepared to cross the road.
"Many extremely brave people have come forward and given powerful evidence including highly painful personal information. The Haemophilia Society had hoped that common respect for their loss or admiration of their courage would have been enough to persuade for the Government to match their candour by appearing at a hearing."
ENDS
Notes: -
• Detail of the final hearing of the Archer Inquiry can be found on the Inquiry website at: http://www.archercbbp.com/files/press/70_last%20hearing.doc
