Contaminated blood victims suffering further because of compensation delays, finds report
COMPO DELAY INSULT Contaminated blood victims suffering further because of compensation delays, finds report
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
CONTAMINATED blood victims are enduring further suffering because of compensation delays, a report has found.
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'.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
15 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Looking after grandchildren on a regular basis could significantly lower your risk of dementia, say scientists
Plus, other lifestyle changes to make to reduce your dementia risk MIND MATTERS Looking after grandchildren on a regular basis could significantly lower your risk of dementia, say scientists Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GRANDPARENTS who care for their grandchildren on a frequent basis could be at lower risk of developing dementia, say researchers. The findings add to a growing body of research that suggests practical and social engagement in older age boosts cognitive health. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Grandparents who frequently look after their grandchildren have been found to be at lesser risk of dementia Credit: Getty While there's no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk. A new study, published in Jama Network Open, found grandparents who cared for their grandchildren on a frequent but noncustodial basis had a statically significant lower risk of developing dementia, when compared to those who didn't engage in such roles. Scientists also noted grandparents who were caregiving were more likely to have a mobile phone, which kept them more connected and also helped lower the risk. The study analysed the experiences of more than 10,000 older adults in China and tracked cognitive outcomes in relation to their caregiving activities. In China, roughly 17 million people were living with dementia in 2019, according to a report published in JAMA Neurology in February 2020. "Dementia is a pressing public health concern, with a substantial burden in China, which accounts for nearly 25 per cent of worldwide cases and great socioeconomic costs," the authors wrote. The findings of the new study support previous research suggesting staying socially active and engaged can help preserve brain health, particularly in elderly adults. "The protective association of nonintensive caregiving with dementia odds supports the use-it-or-lose-it hypothesis, which posits that engaging in mentally and socially stimulating activities—such as interacting with grandchildren—can preserve cognitive reserves and delay cognitive decline," the researchers concluded. But the study did caution more intense caregiving duties could have a negative impact. "These benefits, however, appear to have a threshold, as intensive caregiving, often accompanied by heightened stress and caregiving burden, was not associated with reduced dementia odds," the authors warned. Five simple tests that could indicate dementia Social isolation can lead to an increased risk of developing dementia, says the Alzheimer's Society. This is related to whether a person lives alone, and whether they see friends and family regularly or engage in social or community activities. As well as staying in touch with loved ones, finding activities or groups that align with your interests, such as book clubs, walking groups, or sports teams, can help maintain social connections. Embracing new experiences, such as learning new skills or taking up new hobbies can also help. And finding opportunities to connect, such as being open to meeting new people and forming new connections, may also be beneficial. Alongside staying socially connected, experts recommend the following lifestyle changes to stave off dementia...
The Independent
30 minutes ago
- The Independent
Abandon strikes or risk ‘fragile' NHS recovery, Streeting warns resident doctors
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for resident doctors to 'abandon their unreasonable rush to strike' after warning NHS recovery is 'fragile'. It comes as new data shows the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has fallen for the second consecutive month to its lowest in more than two years. However, the number of patients facing the longest waits increased, according to NHS figures. An estimated 7.36 million treatments were waiting to be carried out in England at the end of May, relating to just under 6.23 million patients – down from 7.39 million treatments and just over 6.23 million patients at the end of April. These are the lowest figures since March 2023 for treatments and April 2023 for patients. The number of patients waiting more than 18 months to start routine treatment also fell to 1,237 in May from 1,361 in April. However, some 11,522 people were waiting more than 65 weeks to start treatment, up from 9,258 in the previous month. The number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks also increased for the second consecutive month – to 196,920, up from 190,068 at the end of April – after falling for 10 months in a row. Some 2.7% of people on the waiting list for hospital treatment had been waiting more than 52 weeks in May, up from 2.6% in April. The Government and NHS England have set a target of March 2026 for this figure to be reduced to less than 1%. Earlier this week, the British Medical Association (BMA) announced resident doctors – formerly junior doctors – in England would walk out for five consecutive days from 7am on July 25. Mr Streeting said the recovery of the health service 'is only just beginning, and it is fragile'. 'It is only with NHS staff and the Government working together that we can rebuild our NHS so it is there for patients once again,' he said. 'That is why I am once again urging the BMA to abandon their unreasonable rush to strike and work with us to improve resident doctors' working lives instead.' Health chiefs also warned industrial action would jeopardise 'hard-won progress to cut waiting lists and efforts to see patients quicker'. Previous strikes by resident doctors have taken place 11 times since 2022, leading to almost 1.5 million appointments being cancelled or rescheduled. Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said: 'These figures show NHS staff are working flat out to deliver more care to patients with waiting lists falling and tests, checks and treatments soaring despite record levels of demand. 'Trust leaders now face the bleak prospect of a full five-day walkout by resident doctors jeopardising this hard-won progress to cut waiting lists and efforts to see patients quicker. 'The focus now will be on planning to ensure services are as safe as possible for patients.' Elsewhere, data shows 75.5% of patients in England were seen within four hours in A&Es last month, up slightly from 75.4% in May. The Government and NHS England have set a target of March 2026 for 78% of patients attending A&E to be admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours. The number of people waiting more than 12 hours in emergency departments from a decision to admit to actually being admitted – so-called 'corridor care' – fell to 38,683 in June, down from 42,891 in May. The number waiting at least four hours from the decision to admit to admission also fell, standing at 118,171 in June, down from 130,035 in May. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's co-national medical director (secondary care), said: 'This continued recovery has been a national effort across the health service and it would – of course – be hugely disappointing if this progress were to stall this summer due to industrial action.' The latest monthly NHS performance figures come a month after the Government unveiled its 10-year plan, which will aim to shift more care from hospitals into the community, with a focus on better use of technology and sickness prevention. Danielle Jefferies, senior analyst at the King's Fund, said: 'The details in the Government's 10-year plan for health are too vague to assess what gradual improvements we will see in data for other important areas like how long we wait in A&E or for an ambulance if someone has a stroke, or for psychological treatments. 'In the coming months and years, the Government will need to be honest with the public over what trade-offs we should expect in the care we receive as it sets about delivering on its planned reforms. 'Potential forthcoming industrial action can also impact patient care across a wide range of services, affecting how long patients wait and our mental and physical health.'
Scottish Sun
32 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
From red raw ulcers to ‘bull neck' – the 7 signs of the highly contagious bug spreading around Europe's summer hotspots
In the worst cases, the infection blocks the airways, causes heart failure, and damages the nervous system KNOW THE SIGNS From red raw ulcers to 'bull neck' – the 7 signs of the highly contagious bug spreading around Europe's summer hotspots Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A KILLER bug once dubbed 'childhood's deadly scourge' is making a chilling comeback across Europe - and it starts with an innocent sore throat. Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that suffocates its victims by forming a thick grey coat over the throat and tonsils. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 More severe cases can lead to a characteristic swollen neck and throat, or "bull neck". This swelling can make breathing difficult. In the worst cases, the infection blocks the airways, causes heart failure, and damages the nervous system. If the disease affects the skin, it can cause pus-filled blisters on the legs, feet and hands, as well as large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin. Diphtheria is mostly spread by coughs, sneezing or close contact. It can also be caught from sharing items such as cups, clothing or bedding with an infected person. Before the vaccine rollout in the 1950s, the bug tore through British homes, killing up to 4,000 people a year, mostly children. There are reports of families where several siblings died within days of each other. Now the bug is spreading again, in popular holiday hotspots, with health chiefs calling for a better "awareness of symptoms" to stop the spread. Diphtheria is thought to be rare in Europe and the UK, with cases falling steadily since the introduction of vaccines in 1942. Between 2009 and 2020, an average of 21 cases were reported each year in Europe. Cases of Victorian disease that causes 'sandpaper rash and killer complications' surge 42% in a week - is your area affected But "a marked shift occurred in 2022", as 320 cases - two of them probable - were detected in European countries, the ECDC wrote in recent report. "Similar trends" were also reported in the UK, according to the health watchdog. At the end of 2023, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said one person tested positive for the deadly bug at Wigmore Primary School in Luton. At the time, parents were warned to take caution, with health officials urging anyone with symptoms to "seek urgent medical attention". A total of 234 diphtheria cases have been reported in European countries since January 2023, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). "Ten European countries were affected by this outbreak, with Germany, Austria, the UK, Switzerland and France reporting the highest case numbers," they said. The outbreak was "mainly linked to groups of migrants who had recently arrived in Europe" and been exposed to diphtheria on their journey, it added. Since then, the number of diphtheria cases in Europe has "consistently declined", but the ECDC warned that infections were still being reported - especially among vulnerable people. A total of 165 cases were flagged to the ECDC in 2023, 56 in 2024 and 13 so far into 2025. "Published data and recent personal communications indicate that after the 2022 outbreak, Corynebacterium diphtheriae continued to circulate in at least five EU/EEA countries and in Switzerland," the health watchdog said. "A significant proportion of these cases has been among people more vulnerable to diphtheria," it added. These include people experiencing homelessness, people living, working or volunteering in transitional housing centres, migrants, and those who use and inject drugs. Bruno Ciancio, from the ECDC is now calling for "better awareness of symptoms, quick diagnosis and prompt public health action" to help quell the spread. What to watch out for According to the NHS, symptoms usually start two to five days after becoming infected. These include: A thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue A high temperature Sore throat Swollen glands in your neck Difficulty breathing and swallowing Pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and hands Large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin You should get urgent medical help if you have the above symptoms.
