Thousands of victims of the infected blood scandal will receive £100,000 in interim compensation “as soon as possible”, the government is set to announce.
The Infected Blood Inquiry was set up to examine how thousands of patients in the UK became infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.
There are believed to be more than 4,000 surviving victims of what has been called the worst treatment disaster in NHS history, in which around 2,400 people died.
Sir Brian Langstaff, chairman of the inquiry, called last month for compensation to be paid “without delay” to all infected blood victims and bereaved partners.
He said they should be offered interim compensation of at least £100,000.
His request was backed by three former health secretaries – Andy Burnham from Labour, and Tories Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock.
In a letter sent to Boris Johnson, they warn “already more than 400 people have died since the start of the investigation”, “some estimating that an infected person dies every four days”.
The government will announce this week that interim payments will be made as soon as possible.
The money is expected to be used to fund immediate bills and care needs, with final recommendations on compensation to come when the inquest concludes next year.
According to Sunday time.
Brian Langstaff, chairman of the Infected Blood Inquiry, said victims should be paid no less than £100,000 as interim compensation
” height=”1942″ width=”2588″ layout=”responsive” class=”inline-gallery-btn i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined” on=”tap:inline-image-gallery,inline-image-carousel.goToSlide(index=1)” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” data-gallery-length=”2″ i-amphtml-layout=”responsive”> Brian Langstaff, chairman of the Infected Blood Inquiry, said victims should receive at least £100,000 in interim compensation. – (Infected Blood Survey/AP) A government source told the newspaper: “We know that the thousands of people who have been victims of this scandal have endured unimaginable suffering. “That’s why, following Sir Brian Langstaff’s report a few weeks ago, ministers across government have been looking hard at how best to right this historic wrong. “Given the heartbreaking position that many victims find themselves in, there is a desire at the top of government to get things done quickly so that we can give these people clarity and assurance as soon as possible.” Des Collins, a senior partner at Collins Solicitors, which represents families and people affected by the scandal, said Mr Langstaff’s report was a “welcome development”, but compensation was long overdue. “These immediate interim payments for some of the most vulnerable will finally provide the financial compensation that many of those suffering have been owed for decades,” he said. “While it comes too late for the thousands of people who have tragically died in the years since they were infected, it is a welcome development for some who are still living with the terrible repercussions of that failure. avoidable therapy. “We look forward to the day when all victims of this scandal will be properly compensated for their suffering and for those whose decisions led to the ruin of countless innocent lives to be held to account.” –
