ITV to Air Drama Series on UK’s Contaminated Blood Scandal
By Yasmin Rufo & Ian Youngs
BBC News
British television network ITV has announced plans to produce a new drama series focusing on the “biggest health scandal” in British history – the contaminated blood scandal. The series will be written by Peter Moffat and aims to shed light on the story behind the scandal, which saw an estimated 30,000 people infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products during the 1970s and 1980s.
Bafta winner Moffat expressed his intention to give a voice to the victims who have been “let down” by the state, emphasizing the importance of letting “their voices be heard.” The decision to commission the series follows the success of ITV’s recent drama, “Mr Bates Vs the Post Office,” which drew in over 10 million viewers and dominated headlines.
The contaminated blood scandal series, which had been in development prior to the success of “Mr Bates Vs the Post Office,” has now been “fast-tracked” for production. The drama will focus on the courage and dignity of the victims and their families who campaigned for truth, justice, and accountability in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
More than 3,000 people are believed to have died as a result of the contaminated blood scandal, making it the worst treatment disaster in NHS history. The untitled series is expected to delve into the experiences of those affected and the challenges they have faced. It is a privilege, Moffat stated, to have the opportunity to learn about the experiences of those infected and affected by the scandal.
The announcement of the drama series has been welcomed by victims and their families, with Des Collins, senior partner of Collins Solicitors, which represents 1,500 victims and their families, expressing support for the project. The series is expected to bring to light the emotional and health consequences suffered by victims, as well as the inadequate treatment by the government over the course of their decades-long battle for justice.
The contaminated blood scandal has been the subject of a five-year public inquiry, the final recommendations of which included a full compensation scheme for those directly affected and their relatives. While the government has recognized the “moral case” for compensation and made interim payouts to victims and their bereaved partners, the publication of the final report has been delayed until May, delaying a final decision on compensation.
This series aims to bring the experiences of those affected by the contaminated blood scandal to a wider audience, highlighting the historic injustices suffered and giving a voice to those who have fought for truth and justice.