Blood Scandal that infected recipients with HIV and Hepatitis C through blood products from USA in the 1970s and 1980s has finally been recognised and will be recompensed by the UK Government
After decades of tireless campaigning, this week the government finally published its inquiry into the infected blood scandal, widely acknowledged as the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Calling the incident a 'catalogue of failures', the chairman of the inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, said 'the truth has been hidden for decades' by the NHS and successive governments.
Over 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products or through transfusions as a direct result of clinical decisions and policy made and implemented in the 1970s and early 1980s. At least 3,000 people have already died, with more losing their lives every week.
African Institute and other charities ie the Terrence Higgins Trust(THT), we have been supporting those living with and affected by HIV as a result of the scandal. Ahead of the publication of the report, we were proud to stand outside Parliament with hundreds affected by the scandal. In the Evening Standard, THT Chief Executive Richard Angell said: 'Justice for those still with us. But for so many it has come too late.'
Apologising for the scandal, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was a 'day of shame for the British state' which had 'mistreated tens of thousands of patients and engaged in a cover-up.'
Some details of a long-overdue compensation scheme have been announced for those impacted by the contaminated blood scandal. Those infected and still living will receive interim payments of £210,000 within 90 days of the start of summer and there is a promise of an interim payment for the estates of those who have sadly passed away already, with further compensation to follow.
There is a lot to welcome in the Government’s announcement, although whether the proposals adequately compensate those infected and affected is yet to be seen.
We will continue to work with those infected and affected to ensure that everyone who is entitled to compensation sees fair compensation delivered.
