Blood borne infections and haemophilia: the worst of times

The HIV and hepatitis C epidemics of the 1980s represent the darkest days in the history of modern haemophilia care. The haemophilia centre at the Royal Free Hospital was at the forefront of research into the natural history of both diseases. This work led directly to the widespread use of recombinant products, as well as the establishment of combined haemophilia clinics with hepatologists and HIV physicians.