David Lidington CBE MP, the Cabinet Office Minister, has said the Government “will consider” improved financial and psychological support for those affected by the infected blood scandal. In his letter, he recognized the scale of the Infected Blood Inquiry and the importance of the work taking place.
Last week Sir Brian Langstaff, Chair of the Inquiry, wrote an open letter to the Cabinet Office outlining the need for financial assistance in order to compensate individuals and their families for the hardships they have endured as a consequence of receiving infected blood products from NHS Services.
The Cabinet Office also confirmed that they will not be appointing further panel members. The Inquiry team will rightly continue to appoint expert groups as core participants as a means to provide openness and transparency to the investigation.
Earlier this week, BBC News reported that those affected and infected have written to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, asking for an increase in support payments. You can read the full story here.
For more information, visit the Infected Blood Inquiry website.
Our confidential helpline is here to support Monday to Friday from 10:30am until 4:30pm. It is staffed solely by people who themselves have been affected by hepatitis C. You can call on 020 7089 6221 or e-mail directly at: helpline@hepctrust.org.uk