A KEY victim of the infected blood scandal says she is open minded but cautious about the outcome of a new inquiry which is now underway.

Colette Wintle, of Martley, who has haemophilia, was infected with hepatitis C twice, and hepatitis B in hospitals in Scotland, Kent and London in the 1970s and 80s.

She is a key participant in the inquiry - the first UK-wide public inquiry able to compel witnesses to testify about the scandal, labelled the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.

Mrs Wintle is set to appear at the inquiry next week. It began hearing evidence in central London earlier this week, with its chairman, former High Court judge Sir Brian Langstaff, thanking victims for their bravery, and promising the inquiry would be “frightened of no-one.”

“I understand some simply cannot bring themselves to make a statement because it is too much,” he added.

Mrs Wintle, who described herself as a veteran of two previous "whitewash" inquiries, said: “This is the final chance to finally have the truth be reported correctly.

“I fear though it could take years - three years possibly.

"But people are dying, several hundreds have died since this inquiry was announced.

"The inquiry has turned into a monster because it will hear evidence from two groups, those infected, and haemophiliacs who were treated like guinea pigs.

"It’s about transparency - that is what I and other victims long for.”

The 59-year-old said she was hopeful the inquiry would give the victims a voice, that there would be recognition for their extreme pain and suffering, and recompense for financial losses.

Mrs Wintle will give evidence on Friday, May 10. After the inquiry hears from victims, there will be similar testimonies taking place across the country.

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