Using expert groups means that everyone will be able to see what expert input is given to the Chair
Fourteen further people have been put forward to serve as part of the expert groups that are helping to inform our work.
Their role is to openly advise the Chair to help him get to the truth of what has happened in the most authoritative and transparent way possible. The latest nominees will be assigned to the following groups: medical ethics, public health and administration, psycho-social impact, virology, hepatology, immunology, transfusion medicine, haematology, dentistry and GPs.
Using groups of experts means that a range of expert perspectives can be accessed. It makes it easier for those who are at the centre (and often at the leading edge) of current medical practice and research to give their time and input. The reports of the groups will be fully open, accessible and transparent, so that everyone can see what is being said to the Chair. Where there are significant disagreements among the experts, these can be tested, explored and challenged openly in the public hearings.
The Chair welcomes suggestions, in particular from core participants, for further experts he should invite to join the groups. Similarly he welcomes offers of assistance from individuals who have recognised expertise to offer.
Each expert will be expected to give their independent unvarnished views to help the Inquiry resolve the issues it is investigating. Some of the experts have made voluntary declarations on the ABPI website in regards to funding received from the pharmaceutical industry as healthcare professionals.
The list of nominees can be found here.
Further experts, including clinicians, will be appointed in due course.