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Hepatitis C Inquiry
12/01/2009
A chairman has been appointed for the public inquiry into why people were infected with Hepatitis C and HIV through NHS blood products.
The Right Honourable Lord Penrose has agreed to chair the inquiry, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament today. The inquiry will be known as the Penrose Inquiry.
Lady Cosgrove, who had originally agreed to chair the inquiry, had to withdraw - for family and personal reasons - in the autumn.
The Penrose Inquiry will investigate the circumstances in which Hepatitis C and HIV were transmitted through NHS treatment with blood and blood products in Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"I have every sympathy with those who have suffered or lost loved ones as a result of Hepatitis C or HIV infection acquired through NHS treatment with blood or blood products.
"I hope the Penrose Inquiry can provide answers and the closure which I know they so desperately want.
"This inquiry will also ensure that all possible lessons are learned to prevent such a tragedy occurring again."
The terms of reference for the inquiry have been agreed between Scottish Ministers and Lord Penrose and a fully-staffed inquiry team is in place.
The inquiry is expected to begin by examining documentation in detail going back over a period of over 20 years to the 1980s. Due to the volume involved, it is expected that this will take some time.
Nicola Sturgeon announced on April 23, 2008 that a public inquiry would take place.