Government confirms lifelong support for blood scandal victims

The government has confirmed lifelong financial support for victims of the infected blood scandal. Announcing a revised multi-billion-pound compensation scheme, it included extra payments for those subjected to “unethical research.”

More than 30,000 people in the UK contracted HIV or hepatitis from contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s, marking it as the NHS’s worst treatment disaster. A report from the Infected Blood Inquiry earlier this year revealed about 3,000 lives have been lost due to the scandal, which could have largely been avoided. The report also highlighted a pervasive cover-up.

Regular support payments, including for bereaved partners, will now continue for life. Payments will start by the end of this year for infected individuals, both living and deceased. For others affected, the payments will begin in 2025, according to the Cabinet Office. People identified as having been subjected to “unethical research” will receive an additional £10,000. Those who were children at Lord Mayor’s Treloar’s College in Hampshire, a case described as “particularly egregious,” will receive £15,000.

At Treloar’s College, pupils with haemophilia were given plasma products infected with HIV and hepatitis. NHS clinicians continued these treatments to advance their research, despite knowing the risks. Victims include Richard Warwick, a former pupil, who contracted HIV and Hepatitis C. He described the £15,000 figure as “derisory and insulting,” emphasising the betrayal felt by all victims and their families.

Stuart Mclean, who was given factor 8 in 1978 at age eight, was infected with Hepatitis C, discovered only in 2013. He expressed satisfaction with the lifelong support but sought more clarity on compensation details, especially for those suffering from severe mental health issues.

The compensation updates stem from 74 recommendations by Sir Robert Francis KC, interim chair of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority. The government has accepted most of these recommendations, which also include new routes for victims to apply for compensation.

In the 1970s, the UK was not self-sufficient in blood donations, leading to imports from the US. Much of the imported Factor VIII came from high-risk groups, including prisoners and drug addicts. The pooling of plasma meant one infected donor could contaminate an entire batch. HIV screening of donated blood began in 1986, and Hepatitis C screening started in 1991.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Paymaster General and minister for the Cabinet Office, acknowledged the significance of this milestone for blood scandal victims and campaigners. He stressed the government’s commitment to delivering compensation swiftly and ensuring such a scandal never happens again.

Des Collins, legal advisor to over 1,000 victims and families, welcomed the updates but questioned the delay in payments to those affected compared to those infected. He noted that the scheme would be operational by October for infected individuals and called for detailed discussions with clients to navigate the claims process.