Infected blood victims facing ‘new layer of psychological pain’ amid compensation failings, damning report finds
Infected blood scandal compensation failings led to ‘obvious injustices’
- A report by Sir Brian Langstaff, chairman of the infected blood inquiry, concluded that the government's handling of compensation has caused victims "new and different psychological pain" and rendered its apology meaningless.
- The report criticised the slow pace of compensation, revealing that only 460 out of thousands affected have received payments.
- Sir Brian highlighted that compensation decisions were made "behind closed doors" and the scheme was rushed, lacking essential expertise and direct involvement from those affected.
- Victims described feeling profound despair, exhaustion, and a sense of being "in limbo", fearing they may die before receiving their rightful compensation.
- The inquiry recommended speeding up the compensation process, broadening access for all affected individuals, and ensuring their central involvement in the scheme's operation.