Victims of the infected blood scandal have expressed their caution and uncertainty over the compensation announced today.
The government announced that a body to administer financial compensation, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, would be set up an arm’s length away from the government.
It will be chaired by Sir Robert Francis KC and total compensation payments are expected to reach £10bn.
Yesterday, the Infected Blood Inquiry published its final damning report, which found tens of thousands of people had been exposed to unacceptable risks of infection due to a “catalogue of failures” with “catastrophic consequences”.
Raymond Griffiths, from Newmarket, was infected with Hepatitis C after a blood transfusion in 1977.
He said: “The appointment of Sir Robert is a very good appointment for the chair.
“The interim payment is so so - we knew it would be an in the middle payment, not too much but not disappointing.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel with Rishi Sunak’s apology. Now let’s hope there are no more delays.”
But Mr Griffiths expressed frustration at the many questions still surrounding the compensation, including over when payments would be made.
Final payments are expected to start at the end of the year, though people living with an infection may benefit from a £210,000 interim payment within 90 days.
Final payments will be awarded based on five categories: an injury impact award, a social impact award, an autonomy award, a care award, and a financial loss award.
Both those infected and affected will be eligible for compensation, and money for those who have passed away will be paid to their estate.
Cabinet Office minister John Glen said: “To be crystal clear, if you have been directly or indirectly infected by NHS blood, blood products or tissue contaminated with HIV or Hepatitis C, or have developed a chronic infection from blood contaminated with Hepatitis B, you will be eligible to claim compensation under the scheme.
“And where an infected person has died, but would have been eligible under these criteria, compensation will be paid to their estate.
“And this will include where a person was infected with hepatitis B and died during the acute period of infection.
“Now, I’m aware that being asked to provide evidence of eligibility will likely be distressing, so I’m determined to minimise that as much as possible and I’m pleased to confirm today that anyone already registered with one of the existing infected blood support schemes will automatically be considered eligible for compensation.”
For many, however, compensation cannot bring their loved ones back.
Debbie Kemp’s mother, Susan Wakeling, was infected with Hepatitis C after a blood transfusion.
Mrs Kemp said: “The compensation is so important for people who have had to give up work or hire carers, and their families too.
“But for me, it’s more about justice and people being held accountable.”
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