Debate contribution: Infected Blood Inquiry

Debate contribution by Mr Robin Swann on 21 May 2024.

MLA: Mr Robin Swann
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 21 May 2024
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Question for Urgent Oral Answer
Heading: Infected Blood Inquiry
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4491741

Text

Principal Deputy Speaker, with your indulgence, I have a substantial answer to the Member's question because I had hoped to bring a fuller statement to the Assembly to follow up on the announcement on compensation, which was made just a few hours ago. Supporting victims of contaminated blood has always been one of my top priorities since first becoming Health Minister in 2020. I have met, on many occasions, those from that community, and I am aware of the life-changing impacts and financial hardship that people have endured as a result of receiving a devastating diagnosis following treatment with contaminated blood used by the NHS. The anguish and trauma that they have endured over many decades is inconceivable. The health service's use of contaminated blood in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in untold suffering and loss, and I reiterate my Department's apology and my apology to all those in the infected and/or affected community in Northern Ireland. They were failed by the system that should have been there to help them. For that, I am deeply sorry. While I welcome the publication of the final report from the infected blood inquiry, I also recognise that it is a poignant time for so many. The publication of the final report will be a watershed for victims, many of whom have given evidence to the inquiry. It will, no doubt, have been a traumatic experience, opening up old wounds and bringing back painful memories that they would prefer to forget. Those victims are to be applauded for their courage and dignity in coming forward to tell their stories. It is with deep regret that we cannot undo the actions of the past. However, it is incumbent on those of us in government and in the health service to ensure that it never happens again. I am grateful to Sir Brian Langstaff and his team for their thorough work to produce a comprehensive report, which was published in seven volumes that were released yesterday, comprising 2,500 pages and 12 recommendations, including 50 individual recommendations. The detailed recommendations of the final report are wide-ranging, cutting across a range of areas in my Department, including quality, safety, improvement and workforce policy, as well as the culture and working practices of the wider Executive, Civil Service and the health and social care system. Addressing the recommendations will require a collective effort and coordination of communications in collaboration with the infected and affected community. I want to carefully consider the details in the report and its recommendations published yesterday. Therefore, I am not yet in a position to respond in detail. I am, however, committed to working with my ministerial colleagues, on a four-nations basis as well as across the Northern Ireland Executive, to respond, because I do not doubt that the work of the inquiry and its recommendations will help to inform and shape the delivery of healthcare in Northern Ireland in the future.

488 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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