The UK government has confirmed that victims of the contaminated blood scandal will begin receiving compensation by the end of 2024.
This follows the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry, which exposed the devastating impact of contaminated blood products that caused HIV and hepatitis C infections from the 1970s to the 1990s. More than 3,000 people died, and an estimated 30,000 NHS patients were affected.
Claims Media reported back in June that the government’s own calculations estimate that potential payouts could reach up to £2.6 million.
A proposed compensation scheme, based on recommendations from Sir Robert Francis, has been largely accepted by the current government. It proposes additional payments for those involved in unethical research, and those who were children at the time.
Regulations establishing the scheme are expected to be introduced by 24 August 2024, meaning payments could begin before the year ends. Additional regulations will be rolled out in 2025 for the families of victims.
The government’s approach also includes maintaining existing support payments for life, addressing concerns about financial security for victims.