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A CAMPAIGNER whose father died from contaminated blood accused the government of offering victims “means-tested scraps” as a new inquiry into the scandal began in London today.
Jason Evans, whose father died in 1993 having contracted hepatitis and HIV, said the government had failed to accept responsibility for the NHS scandal and was now attempting damage limitation by offering victims more cash.
The contaminated blood scandal has been labelled the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Thousands of patients were infected with HIV and hepatitis C via contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mr Evans said: “People are sick and dying, families are dealing with severe bereavement, but the government refuses to accept its clear liability and pay compensation.
“Instead of paying compensation, the government provides criteria-ridden and means-tested scraps. These begging bowls are available only to those who meet certain requirements and exclude many of those affected.”
He fears that victims may only receive £900 per person infected. “If the government truly wants to do the right thing they will provide a statement accepting their liability now. There is no reason why they cannot do that before the inquiry reports and without delay,” Mr Evans said.
Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff, a former High Court judge, claimed that his investigation will be “frightened of no-one.” He pledged to put people at the heart of the probe, thanked those who volunteered statements and told the packed hearing room at Fleetbank House in central London: “I have already read a large number more than once, some a number of times.
“For many, making a statement has been, and for some it yet will be, an act of bravery which I would like to acknowledge publicly here and now. It may have stirred up, and may yet stir up, distressing memories. I understand some simply cannot bring themselves to make a statement because it is too much.”
After the inquiry hears from victims in London, there will be similar testimonies heard over the coming months in Belfast, Leeds, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
