Contaminated blood victims suffering further because of compensation delays, finds report
Sir Brian Langstaff — who last year called the NHS scandal the worst medical cover-up in British history — now says help for patients and their families has been 'profoundly unsatisfactory'.
More than 30,000 people were infected with viruses such as HIV and hepatitis after clinics used high-risk blood donors in the 1970s and '80s.
Ministers last year set up an £11.8billion fund but so far just £300million has been paid out.
Campaigners estimate 100 people have died waiting since Sir Brian's 2024 report.
Yesterday, Sir Brian, chair of the official Infected Blood Inquiry, blasted: 'I did not expect that the inquiry would have to issue a further report, because I hoped — indeed, expected — there would be no need for one.'
He said: 'The UK Government has known for years that compensation was inevitable, and identified many who should have it.
"But only 460 have so far received compensation and many more have not even been allowed to start the process.'
He found the Infected Blood Compensation Authority set up its scheme without working directly with victims.
And he added: 'For decades, people who suffered because of infected blood have not been listened to.
"Once again, decisions are being made behind closed doors, leading to obvious injustice.
'It's not too late to get this right.
'Seismic' moment as infected blood scandal report is published
"We are calling for compensation to be made faster and, more than that, fairer.'
Richard Angell, of charity Terrence Higgins Trust, said: 'Those impacted by this tragedy have endured unimaginable suffering.'
Kate Burt, from the Haemophilia Society, added: 'This failure is exhausting, damaging and is stripping this community of its dignity.'
The Government said: 'We are taking action to enable a quicker compensation process.'
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