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Public Inquiry into Blood Contamination

Merrill Legal Solutions’ expertise in public inquiry work is being called on again – this time by the Archer Independent Public Inquiry into the supply of contaminated blood by the NHS. Merrill is providing a same day transcription service to the Inquiry team which is being made available on the Inquiry website. The Inquiry, which started on 18 April, is headed by the former Solicitor General The Rt. Hon Lord Archer of Sandwell QC and the purpose of the Inquiry is to unravel the facts surrounding one of the worst mistakes in the history of the NHS - the treatment of patients with contaminated blood and the tragic consequences of that treatment.

Merrill Legal Solutions has unparalleled experience in the field of public inquiry work, having provided services to over 30 public inquiries throughout Europe, Asia and Australia over the past six years, including Heathrow Terminal 5, Arms to Iraq, Bloody Sunday, Shipman, Hutton, E.Coli, Hong Kong Airport, Victoria Climbie and Bristol Royal Infirmary. Our reporters are accustomed to working on extremely distressing Inquiries and are sensitive to the difficult circumstances faced by witnesses and the relatives of the victims.

This breadth of experience enables Merrill to offer a range of services to ensure that the needs of all participants are met throughout the life of the inquiry. Merrill will be involved for some months prior to the start of an Inquiry, offering advice and consultancy and will give continued support, together with proactive project management. Merrill can provide a range of services, including reporting and transcription solutions for witness interviews, document capture and review, trial support technology and training as well as first class real-time reporting.

Sarah Andrews, Group Managing Director of Merrill Legal Solutions says: “We have a proven track record and vast experience in covering major public inquiries. Our unique package of services will enable us to provide this Inquiry team and witnesses with support and access to information which will assist immeasurably in what will be a complex and sensitive Inquiry.”

For further information on our public inquiry services, please contact Reema Corney at reema.corney@merrillcorp.com.