Sir Robert Francis QC, the independent lead of a UK Government-commissioned review looking at options for a framework for compensation for those infected and affected by infected blood, has published a new statement announcing a deadline for written submissions to his study and a series of online meetings for those affected.
The deadline for written submissions is Sunday 5th December 2021. The questions Sir Robert has requested submissions address can be found at the bottom of the statement here.
In addition to taking written evidence, a series of online meetings will be taking place as part of the review. The meetings are invitation only but any person or organisation wishing to receive an invitation should apply to the Study Secretary via the Study email address: ibcompframeworkstudy@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
The intention is to arrange meetings so that each one is attended by persons who have or are likely to have broadly similar interests in compensation, for example:
● Those infected with HIV from blood or blood products, including those subsequently infected via an infected partner or parent;
● Those infected with hepatitis from blood or blood products, including those subsequently infected via an infected partner or parent;
● Those infected with both HIV and hepatitis (and other potential multiple infections) from blood or blood products, including those subsequently infected with both via an infected partner or parent;
● Persons who are relations of, or otherwise in a close relationship with, a person who was infected with HIV, Hepatitis or both from blood or blood products, and has since died, whether by reason of the infection or some other cause; and
● Persons who are relations of, or otherwise in a close relationship with, a living person who has been infected with HIV, Hepatitis or both from blood or blood products, who have been indirectly affected in any way by that occurrence, including those with assumed caring responsibilities, those who have suffered social stigma or other adverse consequences, and those who have suffered psychological injury.
The dates planned for such meetings are currently:
● Tuesday, 2nd November 2021 (2.30pm – 5.30pm) [issues affecting the bereaved]
● Monday, 8th November 2021 (10.00am – 1.00pm) [issues affecting the Hepatitis infected]
● Monday, 15th November 2021 (11.00am – 2.00pm) [issues affecting the HIV infected]
● Monday, 22nd November 2021 (11.00am – 2.00pm) [issues affecting affected relatives]
● Monday, 29th November 2021 (1.00pm – 4.00pm) [issues affecting the multiple infected]
● Tuesday, 14th December 2021 (10.00am – 1.00pm) [legal and legislative issues]