Prisoners and the army donated infected blood in NI, says inquiry

In January 2023, during the infected blood inquiry, the Belfast Health Trust and Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) apologised for their part.

On behalf of the Belfast Trust, Philip Aldworth KC addressed those watching proceedings directly.

“The infected and affected community in Northern Ireland is entitled to an apology for the part played by it and by its legacy organisations,” he said.

“Belfast Health and Social Care Trust says to each and every one of that community we are sorry.

“Some may feel that an apology is long overdue, but it is no less sincere because of the passage of time.”

On behalf of the Blood Transfusion Service, in January 2023 Mark Robinson KC apologised “unreservedly” and paid tribute to those affected.

“Whether it was in person or on a video-link, the evidence was heartbreaking. It was clear that there was a burning agony of loss across many, many years,” he said.

“The NIBTS acknowledges the courage, the fortitude, the dignity and decorum of the infected and affected, not only during the course of this inquiry, but also in the many many years waiting for the inquiry.”

A statement read by Mr Aldworth on behalf of the Department of Health said it was ready to respond to recommendations from the final report when it was published.

“This commitment will not end with the final findings and recommendations of the inquiry, as these will help to inform and shape the delivery of healthcare in Northern Ireland in the future,” the statement added.

In August 2022, the government announced that 4,000 UK victims would receive interim payments of £100,000, including about 100 in Northern Ireland.

The Infected Blood Inquiry took evidence between 2019 and 2023.