NHS Psychological Support Opens for Blood Scandal Victims

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Thousands of victims of Britain's worst medical disaster can now access specialized psychological help, decades after being infected with deadly viruses through NHS blood products.

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Over 30,000 people received contaminated blood containing HIV and Hepatitis C between the 1970s and 1990s - more than 3,000 have already died from these infections.

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"I felt that my body had been violated, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished," says Nicola Leahey, who contracted Hepatitis C from NHS blood transfusions in the 1970s.

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The contaminated blood came partly from paid donors in the US, including prisoners and drug users - a fact hidden from patients for decades.

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Why did it take until 2025 for proper psychological support? The government spent years denying responsibility while victims suffered in silence.

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The new NHS service allows victims and their families to call 0300 131 0444 for self-referral to specialized psychological care designed for their unique trauma.

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What makes this service different? It was co-designed with blood scandal victims themselves and offers both talking therapies and peer support from others who understand.

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Beyond mental health care, the service provides "regional navigators" to help with practical issues like housing, benefits, and financial advice for those whose lives were derailed.

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After years of fighting for recognition, victims finally received a formal government apology and commitment of £11.8 billion for compensation.

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Professor Meghana Pandit says the psychological service "is already making a difference to lives" - but for many, it comes too late as victims continue to die before receiving full support.

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"The new service gives access to a safe space where people are listened to and understood," explains Dr. Michelle Kilmurray, showing how vital specialized mental health care is for these patients.

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How can we prevent another medical scandal like this? The Infected Blood Inquiry calls for fundamental changes to healthcare regulation and stronger patient voices in all medical decisions.

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