Welsh victims of infected blood scandal await details of compensation
PM Rishi Sunak yesterday issued a "wholehearted and unequivocal" apology.
Victims affected by the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS are waiting to hear details about how much they will be paid in compensation after the Government vowed to pay "whatever it costs".
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a "wholehearted and unequivocal" apology to the victims of the infected blood scandal, saying that the publication of the report into the disaster was "a day of shame for the British state".
The Infected Blood Inquiry identified a "catalogue of systemic, collective and individual failures" that amounted to a "calamity".
More than 30,000 people were infected with deadly viruses between the 1970s and early 1990s as they received blood transfusions or blood products while receiving NHS care.
"At every level, the people and institutions in which we place our trust failed in the most harrowing and devastating way," the Prime Minister said in a statement to the House of Commons on Monday.
"Layer and layer upon hurt, endured across decades, this is an apology from the state to every single person impacted by the scandal.
"It did not have to be this way. It should never have been this way.
"And on behalf of this and every government stretching back to the 1970s, I am truly sorry."
He promised to pay "comprehensive compensation" to those affected and infected by the scandal, with details expected to be revealed by Cabinet Office Minister John Glen in Parliament on Tuesday.
"Whatever it costs to deliver this scheme, we will pay it," Mr Sunak said.
Ministers have earmarked around Ă‚ÂŁ10 billion for a compensation package.
Members of the infected blood community have said that they expect the Government is likely to set out how much compensation will be paid, simplified into a few categories, or tariffs.
This is likely to come under five main categories: injury, social impact, autonomy, care and financial loss.
Following the release of the report, Wales Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care issued the following statement.
She said: "The Infected Blood Inquiry was set up to investigate the scandal of infected blood, blood products and tissues which were supplied by the NHS in the 1970s and 1980s and used as part of NHS treatment across the UK during that time.
"Tragically, thousands of people were infected with Hepatitis C and HIV as a result. Many people have died; others have suffered a lifetime of ill health.
"Sir Brian Langstaff, chair of the inquiry began taking evidence in 2019 and has today published his final report and recommendations into this tragedy. The Inquiry Report | Infected Blood Inquiry This was the worst treatment scandal in the NHS.
"While it pre-dates devolution, as the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in Wales, I want to apologise to all those who were infected and have been affected by this terrible tragedy.
"I want to place on record my thanks to Sir Brian for his time and compassion shown during the inquiry. I also want to express my admiration for the strength shown by all those who gave evidence about their personal experiences and their families, many of whom campaigned for a public inquiry to take place for decades.
"It is right that their voices have been heard and I hope that survivors and their families feel assured that the inquiry has taken account of their evidence and provided answers to their questions and concerns.
"The Welsh Government provided access to our records as part of the inquiry and current and former officials and Ministers provided written and oral evidence as required.
"We are today receiving a copy of Sir Brian’s report and recommendations, which we will consider carefully, and in detail. We remain committed to working on a four-nations basis to respond to the inquiry’s recommendations, with a view to achieving the best possible outcomes for beneficiaries and their families in Wales.
"The debate in the Senedd on 7 May confirmed our position in relation to the UK Government’s proposal to set up an arm’s length body to provide the vehicle by which compensation could be paid. Welsh Government officials will work with the UK Government to ensure Welsh beneficiaries and their families are recompensed in keeping with the inquiry’s interim report on compensation.
"Our Wales Infected Blood Support Scheme (WIBSS) continues to provide support for known beneficiaries and their families. For people who believe they may have been infected before 1992, we have worked with the Welsh Blood Service to help answer any queries they may have.
"They can also access a home testing kit from the Public Health Wales website.
"I will provide further updates to the Senedd once we have had an opportunity to consider the inquiry’s recommendations."