Tainted blood victims to get thousands in compensation after changes

VICTIMS of the tainted blood scandal will receive thousands of pounds in compensation.

Around 5,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood products introduced through transfusions and other treatments in the 1970s and 1980s.

An estimated 200 people in Wales were affected, 70 of whom died, in what was dubbed the “worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS”.

It was caused by the NHS buying blood from suppliers in the United States who used donors including prison inmates.

Across the UK more than 1,000 people – including haemophiliacs and women who needed blood transfusions after giving birth – have died to date, while hundreds are still living with the debilitating illnesses and health issues associated with being infected.

In 2019, it was revealed that Welsh victims would receive less than English victims as a £29m fund announced by Theresa May was only for English patients.

Now, after years of wrangling, it has been announced the UK Treasury will fund a number of changes to the four UK schemes.

Regular payments for Welsh victims will be increased to the rates currently paid in England and Scotland.

The amount bereaved partners receive will be the same as the beneficiary in year 1, and 75% in year 2 and subsequent years in line with the position in Scotland. Both will be backdated to 2019. The amount available to those with hepatitis C at stage 1 will increase from £20,000 to £50,000, with another £20,000 payable if their condition progresses to stage 2.

The total lump sum payable for hepatitis C beneficiaries remains at £70,000 and will be backdated to April 2017.

The £80,500 lump sum payments for HIV will change in line with England and be backdated to April 2017.

People will also receive winter fuel payments.

In Wales, victims and their families have been able to access a psychological support scheme since 2019 and that scheme is now being rolled out to all the other nations.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “The infected blood scandal has been a dark chapter in the NHS’ history, which has had devastating and long-lasting consequences many people.

“For too long the UK Government had refused to recognise its responsibility to the victims and put right the disparities between the different support schemes available to the people. I’m pleased it has now corrected this disparity.”

An inquiry into the scandal is ongoing.