Bad blood as campaigners blast government response to Archer

Sunil Peck

Campaigners have slammed the government's response to the findings of an inquiry into the supply of contaminated NHS blood to people with haemophilia as "disgusting" and "appalling."

The supply of contaminated NHS blood to people with haemophilia during the 1970s and 1980s led to almost 5,000 people being infected with hepatitis C. At least 1,200 of them were also infected with HIV.

The independent inquiry, chaired by Lord (Peter) Archer of Sandwell QC, lasted two years and published its findings in February.

In his report, Lord Archer said that he was "dismayed" at the time taken by ministers and scientists to become "fully alive to the dangers of hepatitis C and HIV infections."

He also criticised the "lethargic progress" towards self-sufficiency in blood products in England and Wales.

The report recommended that people with haemophilia who received contaminated blood should also receive compensation on a basis similar to that in Ireland where a tribunal system decides the amount of compensation a person should receive.

In its response to the inquiry, the government said that annual payments to people infected with HIV would increase from an average of £6,400 to £12,800. It said that people infected with hepatitis C would receive no additional compensation but that the situation would be reviewed in 2014.

Dawn Primarolo, the Public Health Minister, said: "I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to all those who suffered in this tragic episode. Sadly, it was not possible to effectively test for these viruses in the 1970s and early 80s and we deeply regret that these events occurred following NHS treatment."

But Chris James, Chief Executive of the Haemophilia Society, said that the government had shown contempt for the victims of the disaster by failing to offer more compensation.

He said: “The evidence heard by the Inquiry made it clear the government had a moral responsibility for the hepatitis and HIV infections.  People with haemophilia took the NHS treatment prescribed to them in good faith, trusting that the government of the day was doing everything possible to ensure the treatment was safe. Not only was it not safe but the health authorities missed many vital opportunities to prevent these potentially deadly infections."

Richard Waring (pictured) has haemophilia and was infected with hepatitis C. His virus is in remission and is unlikely to return. He worked as a college lecturer for more than 20 years but took medical retirement in 2002 when his treatment left him too ill to work.

Like other people with haemophilia infected with hepatitis C, Richard has received a one-off payment of £20,000.

Commenting on the government's response to Lord Archer's inquiry, he said: "I am shocked. No amount of money is going to change the fact that people have died and people are seriously ill. But some measure of improving the pitiful amounts that they have offered us so far would have gone some way towards an apology."

Mr Waring considers himself lucky and vowed to carry on campaigning for people like his friend, who has been diagnosed with liver cancer.

A statement from the pressure group Tainted Blood said that the government's response demonstrated an unashamed disregard for the catastrophe.

It said that Tainted Blood was committed to achieving truth and justice for all those whose lives have been ruined and lost as a direct result of the shameful
actions of successive British Governments.

More than 1,950 people with haemophilia have died after receiving contaminated blood.