We’ve received an update from the Scottish Infected Blood Psychology Service below. Scroll down for more information and find out how you can access the service.
The Scottish Infected Blood Psychology Service has been open to referrals since September 2021. Individuals have accessed the service for support with a wide range of concerns, including grief, trauma, low mood, and problems within relationships. We are working with those who have been affected as a result of being given infected blood or blood products during medical procedures carried out by NHS Scotland. We also work with the family members of those who have acquired hepatitis C and/or HIV as a result of receiving infected blood and blood products. In addition, our service has been accessed by individuals with inherited bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia. Most of our appointments have taken place by telephone or video conferencing, thereby enabling equitable access to the service from a variety of geographical locations. However, face to face contact can be arranged, where needed.
Our service is staffed by two Clinical Psychologists based at the Astley Ainslie Hospital in NHS Lothian who have an understanding of the current and historical context of infected blood in the UK. We are aware that many individuals are currently being greatly affected by the ongoing events of the Infected Blood Inquiry. Although the service is hosted by NHS Lothian, it is a Scotland-wide service, and can also be accessed by people who no longer live in Scotland.
The service has also launched a website that is being updated regularly: https://www.sibps.scot.nhs.uk/. The website contains details on how to self-refer to the service. If you have any questions about the service, we can be reached by telephone on 0131 537 9128.