Recommendation IR2-17: Bespoke Psychological Service

With respect to recommendations 15 and 17 of the Second Interim Report, the Government acknowledges the immense psychological harm that has been caused as a result of this scandal, and is committed to offering psychological support to those impacted by this scandal. Bespoke psychological support for the infected and affected people is already offered in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, the Infected Blood Psychological Service began supporting its first patients in some parts of the country in late August 2024, with providers building up capacity over the following six months until they are up and running in all areas of England in Spring 2025. The Government also recognises the need to support applicants through the process of claiming compensation, and as such, the IBCA aims to ensure that appropriate advice and support is available to assist people awarded compensation to manage their compensation awards, access financial services, and access benefits advice where relevant.