Awareness, Healthcare, Policy, Public Inquiry

Minister urged to act now on mental health support

Written by Jessica Bomford, March 4, 2020

Today, The Haemophilia Society urged the Government to tackle the “life-threatening” lack of psychological support for victims of the contaminated blood scandal and their families.

In a letter to Nadine Dorries, Minister for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health, Clive Smith, chair of The Haemophilia Society, warned that the psychological impact of the Infected Blood Inquiry was in danger of tipping some of those affected into serious harm.

Mr Smith wrote: “Specialist, easily accessible long-term psychological help needs to be put in place across the UK using experienced professionals with the skills to deal with this level of deep-rooted trauma.  

 “There is a desperate need for mental health support, and funds must be found to address this life- threatening situation as soon as possible. “

You can read the full text of the letter here.