The scheme known as the Skipton Fund, which makes payments to those infected with hepatitis C through contaminated NHS supplied blood, blood products and tissues is to be reviewed early, the Government announced today.
The commitment to review the fund was decided following Lord Archer of Sandwell’s independent inquiry into contaminated blood and was originally planned for 2014.
The review has been brought forward after Ministers have listened carefully to a broad range of views from those infected with hepatitis C, their families and carers, and those in Parliament who represent them.
Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said:
'The lives of many people and their families have been seriously impaired by the unintended and tragic consequences of these treatments.
'The Government has been listening carefully to the views of those affected, who have told us that our intended review date of 2014 will be too late for many of those affected. Therefore, the review will be brought forward to begin as soon as possible this year.'
The review will be independently chaired and the terms of reference, membership and conduct of the review will be agreed in full conjunction with the Devolved Administrations.
Source: www.dh.gov.uk
