Infected blood scandal spread to Guernsey

Friday 24 May 2024

Infected blood victims in Guernsey are being supported in gaining access to UK Government compensation.

Earlier this week a public inquiry said that UK authorities covered up the scandal and exposed victims to unacceptable risks.

More than 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from 1970 to 1991 by contaminated blood products and transfusions.

Around 3,000 have since died.

The UK Government has now announced a compensation scheme which means victims could receive payments of more than £2m.

Deputy Lester Queripel used a question period after a general update statement by Health and Social Care President Al Brouard to raise the issue in the States.

"The cover up of the infected blood issue in the UK has been front page news this week," said Deputy Queripel.

"Can the President please tell me what HSC are doing to support islanders who had infected blood administered back in the 70s and 80s, now having to endure the horrors of being victims of that action?"

Deputy Brouard said it was a real scandal.

"I understand that there are about five to 10 people locally who are infected and they are being supported by Public Health as they go through.

"There has also been liaison with Policy & Resources through their External Relations team and they are working with the UK Government."

At least one local resident submitted evidence to the Infected Blood Inquiry, recalling how they were treated through the Guernsey Health Authority via UK blood supplies and contracted HCV and HBV.

They only learnt about HCV when reading an news article in 1994 about the UK Haemophilia Society suing the UK government which prompted them to seek medical advise.

They spoke of the physical and mental impact of treatment as well as the stressful and difficult process of applying for financial assistance.