Source A MUM-OF-THREE infected with hepatitis C in a contaminated blood scandal says her fight for justice has been "ignored" by MP Yvette Cooper. Pontefract 48-year-old Jane* was one of thousands of haemophilia patients treated with imported blood products by the NHS in the 1970s and 80s – which exposed many to hepatitis C and some to HIV.
Victims battling for compensation and safer blood products through new legislation are now working with campaign groups to "name and shame" MPs blocking or refusing to support the bill – due in the House of Commons tomorrow.
Jane said Pontefract and Castleford MP Ms Cooper took 29 weeks to respond to one letter she sent last July.
She added: "More than a year ago I started writing to Ms Cooper to try get support.
"I have spoken to her, she has responded and written to ministers then given me their replies, and that's that.
"I wrote back and said she was just being the middle man, I can contact ministers myself.
"After I waited 29 weeks for a reply she did apologise but I don't think that's good enough.
"I know she is very busy but she's not been supportive and I feel I am being ignored.
"All I want is support from my MP to say wrong was done – that can't be changed but they can make life better for the victims."
Ms Cooper said the government had improved blood product safety, set up a financial assistance scheme that had paid out £97m and health minister Gillian Merron had agreed to meet campaigners.
The work and pensions secretary also said ministers could sign private members’ bills like the one calling for compensation.
She added: “I do agree with many of the principles behind this bill like proper tests on blood, free services on the NHS including phasing out prescription charges and help for those affected.
“I have written back to Jane nine times on this important issue to update her on responses I have received from ministers.
“Unfortunately with complicated cases like this there are occasionally long delays getting detailed health information and inadvertent hold ups in the office.
“I did apologise to Jane as I know how frustrating and unacceptable delays can be.
“However, the ministerial meeting is an important step forward and I shall keep pressing to see what more can be done.”
