Tejal Somvanshi
A new NHS psychological support service is now available for thousands of people affected by one of the UK’s worst public health disasters. From June 10, 2025, victims of the contaminated blood scandal can self-refer to this specialized service designed specifically for their unique needs.
Between the 1970s and early 1990s, over 30,000 people in the UK received contaminated blood products through the NHS. This blood contained deadly viruses including HIV and Hepatitis C. More than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors continue to face lifelong health problems.
The nationwide Infected Blood Psychological Service offers talking therapies, peer support, and psychosocial assistance. It’s open to both infected individuals and their families, including bereaved partners, parents, children, and extended family members.
“The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country,” said Claire Murdoch, NHS national mental health director.
Patients can call 0300 131 0444 to self-refer or ask their GP to make a referral. Each person will receive a comprehensive psychological review from specialists with expertise in issues facing those affected by contaminated blood. This assessment will help create personalized mental health care plans.
The service also provides virtual peer support forums and, where possible, regional in-person networks. Additionally, “regional navigators” will offer help with practical matters like benefits, housing, employment, and financial advice.
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Nicola Leahey from Lancashire, who contracted Hepatitis C from blood transfusions in the 1970s, helped design the new service. “After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished, I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed,” she said.
“So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we’ve been subjected to,” Leahey added.
The service was established following a recommendation by Sir Brian Langstaff in the Infected Blood Inquiry’s Second Interim Report from April 2023. It began treating its first patients in September 2024 and has now completed its nationwide rollout.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS Co-National Medical Director, said the new service “represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support.”
The contaminated blood scandal resulted from failures in blood product screening and regulation. Many patients received infected blood products imported from the United States, where paid donors sometimes included high-risk individuals. The government has since committed £11.8 billion for compensation to victims and accepted all recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Dr. Michelle Kilmurray, Principal Clinical Psychologist for the service at Liverpool University Hospitals, emphasized: “The new service is here for all those who have been impacted by scandal and gives them access to a safe space, where they are listened to and understood.”
For those needing additional support, other resources include the England Infected Blood Support Scheme, British Red Cross, The Hepatitis C Trust, Terrence Higgins Trust, and The Samaritans.
