Infected Blood Inquiry | Velindre University NHS Trust statement

21 May 2024

Statement by Steve Ham, Chief Executive Officer, Velindre University NHS Trust, of which the Welsh Blood Service is an operational national service:

We acknowledge and sincerely apologise for the tragic hurt, pain and loss of everyone infected and affected by blood and blood products.

We take full responsibility for the failings outlined in the report that relate to the Service’s actions. Lessons have been and will continue to be learnt in the interest of public and patient safety.   

To the infected and affected, we thank you for your courage in sharing your experiences. They will not be forgotten and will underpin our approach to patient safety.

We would also like to thank Sir Brian Langstaff and the Inquiry team for all their work. Expert, detailed analysis has been undertaken with compassion and given a voice to personal experiences that were kept quiet for too long.

We will work with our colleagues across NHS Wales, the Welsh Government and UK Blood Services on our collective response to the report’s findings to ensure that the events it describes cannot happen again. We will also continue work in every and any way possible to support the continued work of the Inquiry.

Today, the blood supply chain in Wales is highly regulated and blood services and blood safety have evolved considerably since the tragic events investigated by the Inquiry.

More information

You can find further information about the Welsh Blood Service by visiting: www.welsh-blood.org.uk

The Welsh Blood Service has developed a comprehensive FAQ on their website to support you if you have any questions or concerns on issues in relation to the Infected Blood Inquiry. You can read more about the blood donation process, the tests undertaken and blood transfusion by going to this page. It will be updated regularly with the latest information and support.