🚨 **Latest Update on Infected Blood Compensation Scheme!** 🚨
The UK government is under fire once again for dragging its feet on compensating victims of the infected blood scandal, with MPs calling for swifter action. This comes as applications open for additional interim payments to the families affected.
Dubbed the NHS’s most catastrophic treatment disaster, this scandal affected over 30,000 people from the 1970s to early 1990s, leading to over 3,000 deaths. Victims were tragically infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood and blood products.
Sir Brian Langstaff, heading the infected blood inquiry, has been vocal about the need for “faster and fairer” compensation. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds promises to keep pressing for progress, with the government having already made offers exceeding £1.8 billion.
MPs from various parties have expressed their frustrations. Patrick Hurley, Labour MP for Southport, is urging for expedited timelines. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP Liz Jarvis highlights that many survivors and bereaved families are caught up in cumbersome processes, often filling out multiple forms to keep receiving payments.
Despite these hurdles, the government announced another wave of interim payments, adding to the £1.2 billion already distributed. Infected individuals got interim payments of £100,000 in October 2022, followed by £210,000 in June 2024. Now, further interim payments of £210,000 are open for application by the estates of those who have sadly passed away.
In July, a series of recommendations were made by the Infected Blood Inquiry to streamline and improve compensation processes. The government has accepted several and is consulting on the others, indicating a move towards acknowledging and addressing this long-standing issue.
Let’s hope the victims and their families get the justice and support they deserve, without any more delays! 💬 Join the conversation below and let us know your thoughts. 🗨️✨
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