Infected Blood Scandal: Families Condemn “Penalty for Dying” in Compensation Scheme
Families affected by the infected blood scandal are voicing outrage over what they describe as a deeply unfair “penalty for dying” embedded within the government’s compensation scheme. The scheme, designed to provide financial redress to victims infected with HIV or hepatitis through contaminated blood products by the NHS, is facing criticism for significantly lower payouts to the estates of those who have already died.
The Disparity in Compensation
Under the current framework, living victims receive a basic financial loss award of £12,500, plus an additional award calculating loss of earnings post-infection. However, for those who tragically succumbed to complications from the infected blood, compensation is calculated solely on financial loss incurred between the date of infection and their date of death. This means individuals who died in the early stages of the scandal, potentially during their most productive working years, receive substantially less than those who survived.
Charities, including the Haemophilia Society and the Hepatitis C Trust, have jointly expressed their concerns in an open letter, highlighting that this system effectively penalizes individuals for not surviving the government’s wrongdoing. Kate Burt, chief executive of the Haemophilia Society, stated that the scheme’s credibility hinges on valuing all infected individuals equally, regardless of their survival status.
Real-Life Impact: Lost Years, Lost Futures
The impact of this disparity is acutely felt by families. Ami Jai Presly, who lost her father, Jai Brahmbhatt, in 1993, discovered her father’s estate would only be compensated for 16 years of financial loss. Her father, a university professor, had moved to the UK seeking better treatment for his haemophilia. The difference in potential compensation compared to a survivor is nearly 50 years of lost earnings.
Rachel McGuinness’s father, Christopher Thomas, died in 1990 after contracting HIV through a blood transfusion. She recounts the immense strain his illness placed on her family, with her mother forced to give up work and her brother becoming a young carer. The perceived inadequacy of the compensation scheme adds another layer of frustration after decades of waiting for acknowledgement and justice.
Ian Dixon, campaigning with his wife Claire, whose mother Nora Worthington died in 1993 after being infected, points out the significant disparity. Had Nora survived, her compensation would have exceeded £2m, but her estate will receive just over £1m. He emphasizes that the issue isn’t about the money itself, but about recognizing the value of lives lost.
Government Response and Ongoing Concerns
A government spokesperson acknowledged the unspeakable wrongs suffered by victims and reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice. They stated that the government is carefully considering responses to a recent consultation and will publish its response within 12 weeks. However, families remain skeptical, fearing that the fundamental flaw in the scheme – the “penalty for dying” – will not be adequately addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infected blood scandal? It refers to a situation where over 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV, hepatitis C, or hepatitis B through contaminated blood products, primarily before 1996.
How many people have died as a result of the scandal? More than 3,000 victims have died.
What is the main criticism of the current compensation scheme? Families of deceased victims are receiving significantly lower compensation than living victims, due to the calculation of financial loss being limited to the period between infection and death.
What is the government doing about it? The government is currently reviewing responses to a recent consultation on the compensation scheme.
Where can I find more information about the scandal? You can find more information at The Hepatitis C Trust and The Haemophilia Society.
Did you know? The Infected Blood Inquiry is set to conclude its work on March 31st, 2026, having “exercised the power it has.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by the infected blood scandal, consider sharing your story and joining the ongoing fight for justice. Explore resources available through the charities mentioned above and stay informed about the latest developments in the compensation scheme.
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