Key Takeaways
- A digital pathway for psychological support has been launched for victims of the national infected blood scandal.
- The service, part of the NHS, offers trauma-informed care to over 30,000 affected individuals across England.
- New technology enhances confidentiality and simplifies self-referrals for those seeking help.
Launch of the Digital Pathway for Psychological Support
A new digital pathway has been introduced to provide targeted psychological support for individuals impacted by the national infected blood scandal. This tragic incident affected over 30,000 people, primarily those with haemophilia, who received blood products contaminated with HIV and hepatitis during the 1970s and 1980s. The consequences were severe, resulting in numerous deaths and lasting health issues.
The Infected Blood Inquiry, which took place from 2017 to 2024, revealed significant systemic failures within the healthcare system, prompting apologies and the establishment of a compensation scheme for victims and their families.
Effective October 1, 2025, the Infected Blood Psychological Service (IBPS) is making strides in providing specialized psychological care across England. Jullie Tran-Graham, deputy head of mental health at NHS England, emphasized that this digital service serves as a significant milestone, offering people easier pathways to access bespoke support and enhancing overall accessibility.
Individuals can now self-refer into the service through an online form, facilitating access to psychosocial support from specialist navigators at regional providers, as well as psychological support from 16 local providers throughout England. To bolster confidentiality for those affected, PCMIS Health Technologies has introduced a standalone system as part of this initiative.
Byron George, chief executive of PCMIS Health Technologies, noted that this implementation represents a major advancement in integrated healthcare delivery, making the service more secure and responsive. The focus is not only on operational efficiency but also on ensuring timely support for all individuals in need.
The project involved extensive collaboration with NHS England and the creation of a custom self-referral portal, which streamlines the referral process and enhances reporting capabilities across various regions. As part of its ongoing development, the next phase will include the introduction of the PCMIS client portal, allowing patients to complete routine measures before appointments and choose convenient times for their visits.
Last year, PCMIS Health Technologies announced a partnership with Dr Julian Medical Group to improve mental healthcare delivery, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in mental health services. The IBPS aims to ensure that everyone affected by this historical crisis receives the necessary psychological support to aid their recovery.
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