Families of more than 300 victims of the infected blood scandal are urging the government to revise the compensation scheme, citing exclusion from the current guidelines. The contaminated blood products, which led to thousands becoming infected with HIV and hepatitis C in the 1970s and 1980s, have had devastating consequences, with over 3,000 known deaths resulting from the scandal. Following the conclusion of a public inquiry into the matter last year, the government established the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) to oversee payments to victims and their families. Despite these efforts, concerns persist among groups like Tainted Blood – Siblings and Children about the proposed scheme not adequately addressing their needs.
Challenges with the Current Scheme:
The current compensation scheme outlines three criteria for siblings of victims to be eligible for payment. These include living in the same household as an infected person for at least two years after the onset of the infection while under the age of 18, serving as a caregiver, or being entitled to proceeds from the infected relative’s property. However, these criteria have left individuals like Richard Newton feeling neglected. Richard, who lost his brother Mark to HIV in 1989, has voiced his frustration with the lack of response from the government on multiple occasions.
Richard’s Story:
Richard was just 11 years old when his brother Mark passed away from infected blood products, a loss that profoundly impacted his life. He faced bullying at school due to misconceptions about the disease and struggled with a lack of support from his parents. The trauma of losing his brother at such a young age led to Richard being sectioned under the Mental Health Act at 12, shaping his mental health and well-being for decades to come. Despite seeking therapy and trying to cope with the aftermath of the scandal, Richard continues to grapple with the long-lasting effects of the tragedy on his family.
Roots of the Blood Scandal:
The infected blood scandal dates back to the 1970s and 1980s when over 30,000 individuals were infected with deadly viruses like HIV and hepatitis C while receiving care through the NHS. The UK’s reliance on blood donations from the US during this period led to the widespread use of contaminated blood products, particularly Factor VIII, a clotting protein essential for treating hemophilia. The use of blood from high-risk groups, including prisoners and drug addicts, in manufacturing these products contributed to the rapid spread of infections as testing for viruses like HIV and hepatitis C was not standard practice until later years.
Calls for Reform:
Richard’s case highlights the inadequacies of the current compensation scheme, prompting calls for reform from individuals like Des Collins, a senior partner at Collins Solicitors who represented over 1,500 victims of the scandal. Collins emphasized the need for a thorough review of the regulations governing compensation to address the concerns raised by affected families. While the government has acknowledged the limitations of compensation in fully addressing the suffering caused by the scandal, it remains committed to providing support to those impacted by the tragedy.
Moving Forward:
As families continue to push for changes to the compensation scheme, the government has reiterated its commitment to delivering meaningful support to victims and their loved ones. While no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused by the infected blood scandal, efforts are being made to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they deserve. With ongoing discussions about potential adjustments to the scheme in the coming year, there is hope for greater recognition of the challenges faced by individuals like Richard and their families.
In conclusion, the infected blood scandal remains a dark chapter in the history of healthcare in the UK, with lasting repercussions for those affected. By amplifying the voices of victims and their families, advocating for improved compensation schemes, and fostering greater awareness of the impact of such tragedies, society can work towards addressing the legacy of the contaminated blood products. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of those affected by the scandal and ensure that they receive the support and recognition they rightfully deserve.
