The Infected Blood Psychological Service is now open in all areas of England and is available to anyone infected by the scandal as well as bereaved partners, parents, children and their extended families.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS co-national medical director (secondary care), said: ‘This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided.'

The bespoke support service has been designed following research and engagement with those infected and affected, their families and NHS staff, and is being hosted by 16 specialist providers across England, following an open procurement process.

As the service has been rolled out, it has initially been offered to those already known to the providers, with around 150 individuals accessing it since September 2024. However, anyone infected or affected by the contaminated blood scandal can now self-refer for treatment, or be referred by their doctor.

The service's establishment follows the recommendation by Sir Brian Langstaff in the Infected Blood Inquiry's Second Interim Report in April 2023, which set out the need for a bespoke psychological support service in England.