After my diagnosis, I felt violated, physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, and betrayed

The Infected Blood Psychological Service, which began a phased rollout in September and which is now open to people infected and affected across the country, will include talking therapies, peer support, and psychosocial support, said NHS England.

More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s.More than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors are living with lifelong health implications.

The new service is open to victims of the scandal as well as bereaved partners, parents, children and their extended families, with people able to self-refer by phone or be referred to the service by their GP. Officials said that a specialist therapist will then help create tailored mental health plans for those in need of support.

Nicola Leahey, from Lancashire, was infected with Hepatitis C following blood transfusions in 1975 and/or 1980, and was part of the expert advisory group to the new service.

“After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished, I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed,” she said. “So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we’ve been subjected to.

“I’m thrilled that this much-needed service is now operational for both those infected and affected members of the infected blood community across England.”

Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said: “The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country and the NHS is determined to ensure that anyone infected or affected can receive evidence-based support and treatment.

“It has been so important that the Infected Blood Psychological Service has been co-designed with members of the infected blood community to ensure the best and most personalised care possible, and we are very grateful to all our partners who have helped establish these vital new services.”

Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director for secondary care at NHS England, added: “Following the recommendations of the Inquiry, this new service represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support, and we are pleased that specialist clinics are now open in all areas of England.

“This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided.”