Victims of the NHS infected blood scandal are now awaiting the final report on the Infected Blood Inquiry following its conclusion last Friday.

Pupils with haemophilia at Treloar College in Alton were among those injected with manufactured Factor VIII blood clotting agent containing viruses including HIV and hepatitis in the 1970s and 1980s. Of 122 treated, 87 have died – 72 of AIDS or hepatitis.

Solicitor Des Collins, pictured with Treloar’s survivors of the scandal, said: “The infected blood scandal was a story that needed to be told and its important lessons learned.

“We look forward to reading Sir Brian Langstaff’s final report later this year. But it will hold few surprises. The government must act responsibly in its wake, or face another Windrush.

“There are vital learnings for the government, schools, health officials and all of us as recipients of healthcare in this country. Crucial opportunities to change tack on the use of infected blood products were missed, families’ trust was abused, and a cover-up of the highest magnitude ensued. Meanwhile thousands died needlessly and, sadly, affected people continue to die every week.

“It is now time for the government to make amends. They cannot bring back loved ones or cure the suffering of so many. However they should finally acknowledge the extent of what went on and apologise properly – the victims of this scandal deserve nothing less. They have been fobbed off for too long. Full compensation to all victims of this scandal must also be forthcoming without further delay.”

The inquiry, chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff, will determine why men, women and children in the UK were given infected blood and/or infected blood products, the impact on their families, how the authorities – including government – responded, the nature of any support provided following infection, questions of consent, and if there was a cover-up.