The Royal Liverpool University Hospital has launched a new self-referral service offering bespoke psychological support for people who have been infected and affected by contaminated blood or blood products. It follows the publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry report in 2024.
The Infected Blood Psychological Service (IBPS) at the Royal is part of a national NHS England programme, which has seen 16 other Trusts across the country open IBPS centres. The IBPS has been designed following significant research and engagement with the infected blood community, their families as well as NHS staff.
Dr Michelle Kilmurray, Principal Clinical Psychologist for the Infected Blood Psychological Service Liverpool, ran by the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, said: “The impact of the infected blood scandal cannot be underestimated and continues to be felt today, both by those directly affected and by the families and communities who lost loved ones as a consequence.
“The new service is here for all those who have been impacted by scandal and gives them access to a safe space, where they are listened to and understood. We work with people to create individual care plans to provide the best possible care.”
Infected or affected people can access our IBPS service via a national telephone line (0300 131 0444) that is operational 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Callers will need to provide basic contact details and will be connected with the most appropriate local IBPS centre.
For more information, visit the IBPS website here.