Today saw the publication of a report into the biggest treatment disaster in NHS history.

The infected blood scandal “could largely have been avoided” and there was a “pervasive” cover-up to hide the truth, an inquiry has concluded.

And a haemophiliac who lost his brother and who himself became infected with both HIV and Hepatitis C because of infected blood has demanded action not ‘empty words’ from the government following the report's publication

Derek Martindale, who grew up in York and went to Northfield School in Acomb, told The Press that the report published today by Sir Brian Langstaff, the chairman of the Infected Blood Inquiry, had given those affected by the scandal ‘all that we have hoped for’.

He said: “It (the report) is damning, and truthful, and absolutely necessary.” Steve Lewis reports.

Derek Martindale, centre, with his wife Margaret and son John outside Fleetbank House in central London for the Infected Blood Inquiry in 2019 (Image: supplied)

Meanwhile, there were queues for up to two hours as a new homeware shop opened its doors in York. Haydn Lewis reports.