Today, the Infected Blood Inquiry releases its report into historical failings during the 1970s and '80s.

It's a painful recollection of egregious negligence, missed opportunities and lives wastefully cut short. It's a warning, a compendium of lessons which must not simply be 'learned' - but acted upon, not tritely acknowledged.

To those affected, we send our love. We cannot begin to imagine your anguish and loss. 

First and foremost, everyone affected should receive the justice that is rightfully due. 'Compensation' cannot truly compensate for lives lost, loved ones cut down in their prime through no fault of their own.

But we call on the UK government to quickly and justly make financial compensation to all those affected. No excuses, no delays - just get it done. Now.

Furthermore, survivors and their families should receive the best possible medical care and support. It's the least we can do as a society; we must all make redress for past NHS failures.

To those responsible today for keeping donors and recipients safe - this must never happen again. Thank you for listening to the community - you must continue to act on their concerns. Be proactive in assessing risk - don't be afraid to speak up if something is wrong. There's no more "business as usual". Now and forever, it must be safety first.

To the GH community...as a charity we will continue to strive for improved access to donor services, for understanding and support for people with GH, whatever our genetics. Sometimes that might mean we cannot be donors for safety reasons - either for ourselves or for those who might receive our blood. That's disappointing, yes. But safety must come first. We hope everyone understands, for everyone's sake. 

These failures must never happen again. Ever. We all have a part to play in making that a reality.

"I tell thee, minstrel, I must weep, 
Or else this heavy heart will burst; 
For it hath been by sorrow nursed, 
And ached in sleepless silence, long; 
And now 'tis doomed to know the worst, 
And break at once - or yield to song."

Lord Byron - My Soul is Dark