Victims of Infected Blood Experiments on Children Find Payout ‘Insulting’

An additional £15,000 payout for pupils infected with HIV and hepatitis due to unethical medical testing in the 1970s and 1980s has been criticized as “derisory” and “insulting” by victims.

The infected blood scandal is considered the largest treatment disaster in NHS history, with victims expected to receive up to £2.7 million each, including an “unethical research” supplement for those who underwent testing.

One survivor, Richard Warwick, mentioned that the experiments conducted on boys with haemophilia at Lord Mayor’s Treloar’s College for Disabled Children by NHS clinicians who were aware of the risks might have breached the Nuremberg Code.

‘A Kick in The Teeth’

“We all feel that the proposed payment is inadequate and disrespectful,” Warwick stated.

He expressed disbelief at the amount and stated, “It’s a slap in the face.”

Warwick suggested that an annual supplement for those who were experimented on would have been more appropriate and added, “We are contemplating seeking legal advice.”

Warwick was diagnosed with haemophilia, a genetic blood disorder affecting clotting, at the age of three.

He, along with over 100 pupils at the school, contracted HIV and hepatitis B from contaminated blood products they received.

Another victim, Gary Webster, who was also infected with HIV during experimental treatment at the school, remarked that while victims appreciate the compensation, the amounts for those subjected to unethical research are inadequate.

He questioned how the figures were determined and suggested the possibility of legal action.

Treloar’s College, founded in 1907, where the experiments took place, issued an apology for the unethical experiments conducted on its former pupils.

More Than 30,000 Victims of Scandal

During the 1970s and 1980s, over 30,000 individuals were infected with HIV and hepatitis due to contaminated blood products.

More than 3,000 people are estimated to have died as a result, according to the report by the Infected Blood Inquiry.

In addition to haemophiliacs, individuals who received blood transfusions for various reasons were also affected by the scandal.

Despite no criminal charges being filed, a team is reviewing the final report by Brian Langstaff on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

The government recently updated the compensation scheme, which will provide lifelong support payments and additional awards for victims of unethical research.

Payouts are expected to commence by the end of the year, with regulations for affected individuals coming into effect next year.

Sir Robert Francis, KC, interim chairman of the compensation authority, made 74 proposals for the scheme’s implementation, most of which were accepted by the government.

Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged that no amount of money could fully compensate the victims but emphasized the importance of acknowledging the unethical medical practices they endured.

Highest Awards Could Exceed £2.5 Million

The total cost of the compensation scheme has not been disclosed, but the highest individual awards are predicted to surpass £2.5 million.

Approximately 3,000 individuals have expressed interest in the scheme, with more expected to file claims.

CEO of the Hepatitis C Trust, Rachel Halford, expressed disappointment that the support schemes were not expanded to include more individuals affected by the scandal.

She urged the government to transparently explain the rationale behind the figures as compensation should reflect the lasting impact on the affected individuals.

Des Collins, senior partner of Collins Solicitors, commended the launch of the scheme and highlighted the importance of informed legal support for the infected blood community moving forward.

PA Media contributed to this report