Four Decades of Suffering: How Infected Blood Changed My Life Forever

A man whose blood was contaminated says this issue "has ruined his life for over four decades," and he urges for quicker compensation for those affected by the scandal.

Stuart Hall, who was from Stainburn in Workington, Cumbria, acquired hepatitis C through a blood transfusion during his treatment for leukemia in the 1980s.

Last year, the government introduced a compensation program for individuals affected by contaminated blood, with ministers stating their dedication to "expedite the distribution of compensations at the earliest opportunity."

Mr. Hall experienced health issues such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, leading to his requirement for a liver transplant in 2021.

He mentioned that dangers posed by contaminated blood frequently got overlooked during the 1980s.

He stated that both the government and the NHS knew blood treatments and blood transfusions might have been contaminated with hepatitis C, and in certain instances HIV.

In June of last year, he was additionally found to have bowel cancer, a condition exacerbated by his preexisting health concerns.

He stated, "I was informed that after receiving a liver transplant, due to the immunosuppressive drugs I must take to prevent my body from rejecting the new liver, I will face an increased risk of developing other types of cancer."

The 58-year-old former municipal official mentioned that he was among the numerous individuals disappointed by the delay in receiving complete reimbursement.

He mentioned that you go through your emails daily, hoping for one that invites you to initiate your claim," she stated. "All you wish for is to bring this chapter to a close. You simply desire to complete it, set it aside, and continue with your life.

He cautioned that victims would be deprived of the assistance they required.

"Time is running out for some people. Two people die every four days from the condition they've now got and it's very important they receive their compensation."

Over 30,000 individuals in the UK are estimated to have contracted HIV or hepatitis C due to tainted blood or blood-related products during the 1970s and 1980s, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths.

The public inquiry into infected blood, led by Sir Brian Langstaff and published in May 2024, revealed that the scandal was due to a series of mistakes and stated that the victims were failed.

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) states that up until now, 475 individuals have initiated their compensation claims, and 137 people have been offered compensation.

"The topmost priority remains to pay as many individuals as swiftly as possible. While constructing our claims process, we are simultaneously facilitating reimbursements with the aim of expediting these payments," stated an IBCA representative.

As we have increased the number of claim managers, we are expanding our services to reach additional qualifying individuals each week.

A spokesperson for the government stated: "So far, we have disbursed more than £44 million as compensation, provided over £1 billion in provisional payments, and allocated £11.8 billion to cover payouts for victims."

"While no amount of compensation will make up for the suffering people have endured, we are committed to delivering compensation as swiftly as possible."

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• What does the contaminated blood scandal entail?

More on this story

• A person affected by contaminated blood worries that justice might never be served.
• People affected by infected blood are losing hope as the hearing sessions resume.
• 'I fear I'll be dead before I get justice for my son'

Related internet links

• Infected Blood Inquiry