The government announced that the first victims of the infected blood scandal will receive their final compensation payments this week.
Ten individuals have been offered a total settlement exceeding £13m, with thousands more applications set to be processed starting from January.
During the 1970s and 80s, over 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis due to contaminated blood products.
In May 2024, a report revealed that the authorities covered up the scandal, endangering victims.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed in the October budget that £11.8bn has been allocated to compensate victims, marking the largest payment in NHS history.
Approximately 4,000 survivors and bereaved partners have already received interim payments up to £310,000 each.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority was established to oversee final payouts to the infected and their families.
The first few victims have accepted offers and are scheduled to receive their compensation shortly.
These individuals, whose identities remain confidential, were infected via contaminated blood transfusions or treatments for blood disorders.
An additional 25 people are set to make claims for final compensation and receive offers soon.
Cabinet office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged that no amount of compensation can fully address the suffering caused by the scandal.
He expressed hope that the government’s efforts to provide substantial compensation offer reassurance to the affected community.
Recent discussions with survivors and their families highlighted concerns about the slow compensation process and inadequate consideration of families’ input.
Some bereaved relatives faced delays in their interim compensation payments due to additional documentation requirements.
The chair of the public inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, raised concerns about discontent with the management of the compensation process.
Kate Burt, chief executive of the Haemophilia Society, welcomed the news of the initial compensation payments but emphasized ongoing concerns within the community.
She urged the government to address the community’s suggestions for improving the compensation scheme and to listen to those most affected by the scandal.