Maggie Throup has welcomed the launch of the Government’s Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, to compensate victims of the Infected Blood Scandal – a tragedy that has deeply impacted many lives.
The Infected Blood Scandal, a catastrophic failure that should never have occurred, has finally been addressed following the findings of Sir Brian Langstaff’s Infected Blood Inquiry. In response to the Inquiry's report, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, issued a heartfelt and unequivocal apology on behalf of successive Governments dating back to the 1970s, acknowledging the long struggle for justice endured by the victims and their families.
Recognising the urgent need for justice, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Rt Hon John Glen MP, announced an additional £210,000.00 interim payment for individuals already registered on existing support schemes. The Government has committed to ensuring that the first victims will receive their final compensation payments before the end of the year. All those affected by the scandal will be eligible to claim compensation under this new scheme. The Government has pledged to cover all costs necessary to deliver this scheme and to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.
The Erewash MP said: “I fully endorse Sir Brian Langstaff’s report and commend the incredible courage and determination of the victims and their families, including several from Erewash, who have fought for justice for far too long.
“I am pleased that the Government is establishing the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to oversee the compensation process. Those directly or indirectly infected by NHS blood, blood products, or tissue contaminated with HIV, Hepatitis C, or those who developed chronic infections from blood contaminated with Hepatitis B, will be eligible to claim compensation under this scheme.
“The Government now has a duty to reassure the public that today’s NHS blood and blood-related products are safe. I am also urging the Government to commission a comprehensive review of the safeguards within the blood products industry to guarantee that such failures can never happen again.”
A statement referencing a "significant step forward" said that it marks a pivotal moment in delivering long-awaited justice to the victims and restoring public confidence in the safety of NHS blood products.
Information about the compensation scheme can be found on the Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s website here.
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