Chairman announced for hepatitis C inquiry

The public inquiry into how people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from NHS blood products has appointed a chairman.

Lord Penrose will lead the investigation, to be known as the Penrose Inquiry, which will attempt to establish the circumstances which led to a number of patients in Scotland contracting the viruses through NHS blood and blood products used in NHS treatment.

Making the announcement, Health Secretary Nicola 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 inquiry will examine evidence recorded over some 20 years, stretching back to the 1980s. As yet no dates have been issued regarding the start or projected end dates of the investigation.