The National Infected Blood Psychological Service (IBPS) comprises 16 NHS Trusts across the UK. It was established in response to the findings from the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Who we support
We understand the far‑reaching and deeply personal impact the infected blood scandal has had on people’s lives. Many individuals and families continue to live with the physical, emotional, and practical consequences of what happened. We recognise the ongoing challenges this brings, and we are here to offer compassionate, personalised psychological and social support to anyone who has been infected or affected by infected blood or blood products.
Meet the IBPS Birmingham team
Our team includes Clinical Psychologists, an Assistant Psychologist, a Navigator and Administrators. We all work together to support your emotional, social, and practical needs.
Sue Gallagher is our Navigator and a trained social worker. She will be your first point of contact in the service. She will offer you a safe space to share your feelings, listen to your needs and support you in finding the right help. This might include support with :
- housing
- benefits/financial advice
- accessing other services
- managing day-to-day challenges
- thinking about future plans
Dr Rachel Swancott and Dr Alex Shah-Smith are our Clinical Psychologists. Brandi Francis works as an Assistant Psychologist alongside Rachel and Alex to provide psychological support to people accessing the service.
Clinical psychologists are trained to help you understand what may be causing your psychological distress, and what steps can be taken to help you manage or reduce them. When you meet with Rachel or Alex, they will take time to understand your experiences linked to the infected blood scandal. What you discuss in your appointments is your choice, but some examples might include:
- Painful or difficult memories
- Anxiety, low mood, anger, or uncertainty about the future
- Effects of health diagnosis/treatment on physical and psychological wellbeing
- Grief and loss
- Effects on relationships
- Difficulties with trusting healthcare professionals/systems
- Feelings related to the compensation process
Our administrators support the IBPS Birmingham team and may be involved in communicating with you by email or telephone.
How to access the service
You can refer yourself to our service by completing an Online referral form here or by calling 0300 303 6284.
You can see us in person at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham or one of our locations across Birmingham and Solihull (please speak to a member of the team to find out more on our locations). If you would prefer, you can have remote appointments by video or telephone call.
What happens next?
Once we receive your referral, we will aim to get in touch with you by phone or email within two weeks to arrange your first appointment.
Your first appointment will usually be with Sue, our Navigator. This is an opportunity to talk about what support you are looking for.
If you need urgent help
This is not an emergency or crisis service. If you need urgent mental health support, please:
- Call 999 or 111
- Go to your nearest A&E
For other ways to get help with your mental health please:
- Call Samaritans anytime for free on 116 123, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
- Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19
Your data
Please see the Privacy notice for patients for information on what to expect us to do with your personal information when you contact us or use our services.
Last reviewed: 31 March 2026