HIV and Hepatitis C sufferers demand fairer compensation from NHS
HIV and hepatitis C sufferers, who were infected through negligent NHS blood transfusions, are campaigning for fairer compensation for those whose lives have been torn apart by the diseases.
What happened?
In the 1970s and 80s over 4,500 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood. More than 2,000 of those infected have since died from the diseases.
The Caxton Foundation was set up by the Government to provide financial assistance to victims, but many sufferers are furious at how the scheme operates, and have increased the pressure on the Prime Minister to review their plight before more victims die.
Investigations into the scheme
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood has since launched an investigation into how The Caxton Foundation and two other similar schemes that offer financial support to victims operate.
APPG co-chairs, Jason McCartney and Diana Johnson, said:
“There is a great deal of concern about the way that the
Skipton, Caxton and Macfarlane schemes operate.
“The All-Party Group will shortly be calling for evidence from the
beneficiaries of these funds about their experience of using
them. We have already been contacted by many MPs with
constituents who have had a poor experience
when dealing with these funds.”
Currently The Skipton Fund pays victims an initial £20,000 when they develop chronic hepatitis C, then pay a further £25,000 to any victims who develop advanced stages of the disease, such as cirrhosis or cancer.
If you, or someone you know have been affected by a botched blood transfusion, and you would like expert advice, contact the Hampson Hughes Solicitors Medical Negligence Team today on 0151 242 1025 or email
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