Government Urged to Pay £100k Now to NHS Infected Blood Victims
Sir Brian Langstaff Demands Immediate Compensation
Sir Brian Langstaff has called on the government to make urgent interim payments to victims of the NHS infected blood scandal. In a powerful letter to Paymaster General Michael Ellis, Sir Brian endorsed Sir Robert Francis QC’s recommendation for swift payouts of at least £100,000.
Sir Brian said: “After reflecting on the profound physical and mental suffering revealed by the inquiry, I felt it was appropriate to issue this report.” He urged payments to all infected and bereaved individuals already registered with UK support schemes – and those who sign up before any future scheme starts.
Decades-Long NHS Scandal Claims 2,400 Lives
The call follows Sir Robert Francis’s June report on compensation options for victims of contaminated blood products given to UK patients in the ’70s and ’80s. This tragic NHS blunder infected thousands with HIV and hepatitis C, killing around 2,400 people and sparking the worst treatment disaster in NHS history.
Victims’ Families Welcome Move, Demand Full Justice
Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors, hailed the recommendation as a “welcome development” that finally offers some financial relief to survivors after decades of suffering. He warned it’s too late for many who have already died but remains a crucial step for the living victims.
“We look forward to the day when all victims are properly compensated and those responsible are held to account,” Collins added.
Awaiting Government Response
Campaigners now await the government’s reply. The inquiry chair, Sir Brian Langstaff, has been praised for recognising the urgent need to act. If approved, these payments could bring a long-overdue lifeline to some of the most vulnerable victims of this horrific NHS failure.
