Contaminated blood inquiry draws to end

A LONG-running inquiry into how people were infected with hepatitis C and HIV from contaminated blood will hold its final evidence session today.

Hundreds of people in Scotland were given contaminated blood in the 1970s and 1980s.

Lord Penrose has been hearing from some of them in his inquiry, which began three years ago at the instigation of the Scottish Government.

The first evidence session was held in March last year and over a total of 89 days Lord Penrose has heard from 60 witnesses.

The inquiry has held a number of closed sessions, so patients and relatives of those affected could give evidence anonymously.

Today, legal representatives for the core participants in the inquiry will make closing submissions. A final report by Lord Penrose will follow.