St Paul’s to host Infected Blood memorial, 19 May 2026
Mark Tuesday 19 May 2026 in your diary. At 11am, St Paul’s Cathedral will hold a national service of remembrance for the infected blood community. The Cabinet Office notice says the hour‑long service will be Christian‑based, with people of all faiths involved and welcome. The page was updated on 15 January 2026 to add a short video from Clive Smith, who chairs the Infected Blood Memorial Committee. (gov.uk)
If you’re new to this story, here’s the snapshot we teach in classrooms. From the 1970s to the early 1990s, thousands of NHS patients-many with bleeding disorders and some children-were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after receiving contaminated blood or blood products. Reported estimates suggest around 30,000 people were infected and at least 3,000 have died, making it one of the gravest treatment failures in UK healthcare. (reuters.com)
In May 2024, the Infected Blood Inquiry published its final report, setting out systemic failings across government and the health service and pressing for recognition and remembrance. A national memorial and support for commemorative events were among the recommendations, alongside long‑term care and patient‑safety reforms. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
Who is the St Paul’s service for? The Cabinet Office says it is predominantly for members of the infected blood community, with supporters and champions welcome too. Because the Cathedral has limited capacity, the event will be ticketed; if demand is high, places may be allocated by ballot. You can register your interest via the Cabinet Office survey and sign up to the Memorial Committee mailing list for updates. (gov.uk)
Access matters. St Paul’s states there is step‑free entry via the North Transept, wheelchairs on request, and accessible toilets in the Crypt. Assistance dogs are welcome. The galleries are stairs‑only, and the Cathedral operates bag‑size limits, so plan ahead and check the visitor guidance before you travel. (stpauls.co.uk)
What to expect on the day. This is a remembrance service in a place of worship and will last about an hour. While worship at St Paul’s is normally free, seats for this special service will require a ticket because of capacity and safety rules at the venue. (gov.uk)
If you teach history, health or citizenship, this moment is a ready‑made lesson. Use short extracts from the Inquiry’s report to practise source analysis, build a class timeline of events from the 1970s to 2024, and discuss how public memorials help societies remember, learn and repair. The House of Commons Library brief is a clear starting point for students. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
Many readers will ask about redress. The Government has created the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), which began payments to infected people in 2024, with the scheme expanded in March 2025. It is UK‑wide, open to infected and affected people, and payments are disregarded for means‑tested benefits and major taxes under published rules. (gov.uk)
If you plan to attend, you’ll be asked to share basic details through the Cabinet Office registration form; data handling is explained in the linked privacy notice on the government’s page. If you can’t be there, the Memorial Committee mailing list will carry practical updates and ways to take part. (gov.uk)
What this means for you. If you or your family were infected or affected, you are prioritised for this service, and friends who have stood with the community can be there too. Register your interest early, share the details with others who may wish to attend, and check St Paul’s accessibility guidance so the day runs smoothly for you. (gov.uk)