Special edition of Channel 5 News focused on the Infected Blood scandal airs Monday 20th May
On Monday 20th May, to mark the publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry report, Dan Walker will host a special edition of Channel 5 News. Broadcasting at 5pm, 5 News Special: Bad Blood, will be the first evening news bulletin on air after the report’s publication. The hour-long programme will be dedicated to exploring the continued impact of the scandal, which has affected more than 30,000 people, over the past 40 years in all corners of the UK.
Thousands of people were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C viruses from contaminated blood products and contaminated whole blood during blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s. It is estimated that, of those infected, more than 3,000 have since died and thousands of others have been left with debilitating health conditions.
Dan Walker will be live at Westminster Central Hall where the final report will be published, and the programme will feature a range of special reports focusing on those who have been impacted by the scandal. Contributors include Jan and Colin Smith whose son Colin was one of the youngest victims, dying from AIDS at the age of 7.
Throughout the programme, Dan will be joined by Andy Bell, Political Editor for Channel 5 News, who will update viewers on the response from the government to the conclusions of the inquiry and next steps.
Reports include:
Chief Correspondent Tessa Chapman will take viewers through the findings of inquiry chair Sir Brian Langstaff, and hear reactions from some of the thousands of infected and affected who are expected to attend the launch of the inquiry report.
Suresh and Rekha Vaghela, talk to Peter Lane, North of England Correspondent, about their fight for justice and the devastating impact the scandal has had on their lives, marriage and careers.
Catherine Jones, Health Correspondent, will explore how a scandal like this was able to happen in the UK. She speaks to Sue Douglas, the journalist who first exposed on the issue for the Mail on Sunday and Des Collins, from Collins Solicitors, who have represented more than 1,500 victims and their families.
Four ex-pupils return to Treloar College in Hampshire, a former boarding school for disabled children, which had a specialist NHS haemophilia centre, where they share their stories with Simon Vigar. From 1974 to 1987, school boys were infected with HIV and hepatitis at the school. Of the 122 who were infected, 75 have died.
St Botolph without Bishopsgate Church in Liverpool Street, London, is home to the memorial for those who have lost their lives due to infected blood products. Dan Walker visits the church with some of the families to reflect on the lives lost and the 40 years they have spent waiting for answers.
Dan Walker, Lead Anchor, Channel 5 News: “We have dedicated a lot of our coverage to the families of the victims and every testimony is heartbreaking. It has been a real privilege to speak to so many of those involved. The scandal is far-reaching and loved ones have had to fight for decades to get the justice they desperately desire.”
Debbie Ramsay, Editor of Channel 5 News says: “The infected blood scandal is the most devastating in the history of the NHS. It continues to be felt by families in all corners of the UK 40 years on. We wanted to dedicate the programme to the stories of loss, hope and determination for justice, told by those who have lived with the consequences.”
5 News Special: Bad Blood airs at 5pm on Monday 20th May
