The Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of the Free Churches Group (FCG), attended a service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 19, held in recognition, remembrance and reflection for the infected blood community.
The service took place on the eve of the second anniversary of the Infected Blood Inquiry’s full report, which examined how men, women and children treated by the NHS across the UK were given infected blood and blood products from the 1970s onwards. It is widely regarded as the biggest treatment disaster in NHS history.
Tessa, a United Reformed Church minister, said: “The service was deeply moving and profoundly painful.”
The service included symbolic empty chairs which were interspersed among the congregation, representing those who died and those unable to attend. Names were read out in remembrance, and a moment of silence was observed as thousands of white, red and yellow petals fell from the Whispering Gallery. There was also a short address from Sir Brian Langstaff, Chair of the Inquiry, hymns chosen by the community, and more than 50 volunteers who lit candles in remembrance.
Between 1970 and the early 1990s, more than 30,000 NHS patients were given blood transfusions, or treatments made using blood products contaminated with hepatitis C or HIV. More than 3,000 people have since died, and thousands more live with serious health conditions.
“The suffering carried by those affected by the contaminated blood scandal remains visible in the memories of those infected and affected. I pray that such a failure of justice and care never happens again,” added Tessa.
“At the same time, there was extraordinary dignity, courage, and compassion present within the gathering. It was deeply moving to witness the strength and togetherness of a community formed through tragedy, truth-telling, and the long struggle for recognition and justice.”
A prayer for those affected by the Infected Blood Scandal
Loving and faithful God,
We hold before you, all those who have suffered through this scandal,
those who have died, and those who live with its consequences,
those whose lives have been shaped by grief, injustice and loss.
We remember those whose voices were unheard,
whose trust was broken,
and whose suffering went unacknowledged for far too long.
Draw near to them in their pain,
and surround them with your comfort and peace.
God of justice,
we lament the failures that led to such harm,
and we pray for truth to continue to be spoken,
for accountability to be upheld, and for healing.
We pray that such a tragedy may never be repeated.
We pray for all those working in the NHS,
for their skill, knowledge and care,
and for wisdom and compassion to guide them
as they make decisions that affect the lives of others.
Image: Aman Chaturvedi/Unsplash.