VICTIMS or families of those affected by the infected blood scandal - dubbed "the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS" - are being urged to come forward to have their voices heard in a Public Inquiry.

At least 5,000 people across the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C as a result of receiving contaminated blood through transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s.

Among them was Colin Smith, of Newport, who was just seven years old when he died of Aids in January 1990, having been given contaminated blood while in hospital with an ear infection.

Colin had been diagnosed with haemophilia, a genetic disease where blood doesn’t clot properly, aged two, and was infected with both HIV and hepatitis C through the transfusion.

A public inquiry into the scandal is now being prepared, with hearings to begin in September. And the deadline for coming forward as a witness or participant is on Friday, July 20.

Watkins and Gunn is one of four law firms representing victims during the inquiry, and has urged those infected and their families to come forward before the end of next week. All costs will be covered by the inquiry.

Solicitor Michael Imperato of Watkins and Gunn said: “After a scandal which saw so many families devastated by the loss of loved ones, an official investigation is finally underway to provide answers to those whose lives were torn apart.

“It is vital that victims and their families come forward and tell their stories to the inquiry. We would urge people to put their evidence before the public inquiry and to feel free contact us to provide assistance with no cost."

He added: “Victims and their families now have an opportunity to get to the truth by having their voices heard, and to see justice finally done after all these years.”

The terms of reference for the inquiry, which will be led by retired High Court judge Sir Brian Langstaff, were published last month. They include to examine the circumstances in which victims were given the contaminated blood, whether they were warned about the risk of infection and how donors were screened.

It will also look at the actions of the government, the NHS and other associated bodies around the scandal and the impact on victims and their families.

Sir Brian will also examine whether there were attempts to cover up the scandal and any barriers to treatment which may have been faced by victims once they learned they were infected.

An estimated 2,400 people in the UK have died as a result of the scandal, including about 70 in Wales, while more than 200 are still living with life-threatening diseases as a result.

For more information and advice visit infectedbloodinquiry.org or call 0300 1240 400.

The Smith family are represented by Collins Solicitors, not by Watkins and Gunn.