A Northampton woman says the infected blood scandal has devastated her whole family

We're hearing about Rosemary Calder's son Nicky

Author: Trevor ThomasPublished 16th May 2024
Last updated 16th May 2024

We've been hearing from victims and their families this week - ahead of the publishing of a report into the scandal on Monday (20th May).

Rosemary Calder's son Nicky who had Haemophilia, contracted Hepatis C and HIV from trained blood products as a young child. Nicky eventually passing away from the condition in 1999.

Nicky's condition saw him prescribed the use of Factor VIII products, which gathered blood products from high risk areas like prisons.

Rosemary says that her family are still struggling some years on, especially Nicky's sister:

"I have an older daughter, 9 years older than Nicky. It's affected her badly. She still has a great deal of difficulty talking about it and coming to terms with what happened. The oldest boy, he has survivors guilt. And Nicky's son never knew his father.

"We thought it was an unfortunate accident, having no idea until listening to all the evidence at the inquiry.

"Doctors never indicated there was a problem and there could be viruses in what we thought was a wonder drug."

Rosemary says she lives in hope the inquiry will bring answers, and that it will bring accountability and recognition, for parents of the bereaved and for their children, as well as those infected.

What does the Government say?

A government spokesperson said: "This was an appalling tragedy, and our thoughts remain with all those impacted."

“We have consistently accepted the moral case for compensation, and that’s why we have tabled an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill which enables the creation of a UK-wide Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and establishes a new arms-length body to deliver it."

“We will continue to listen carefully to those infected and affected about how we address this dreadful scandal.”

With many still waiting for compensation, countless stories of broken families and lives lost to one of the UK's biggest scandal are coming to light.

All are now hoping for justice in the report to be published on May 20.

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