Responding to the publication of Sir Brian Langstaff’s Additional Report on Compensation published today Wednesday (9th July), Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors and adviser to some 1500 victims of the infected blood scandal, comments:

“Once again Sir Brian Langstaff has done the infected blood community proud. Victims are very reassured he is on the case regarding compensation and has dealt with all the issues they are experiencing so comprehensively in today’s report.

Some of his recommendations can and should be implemented immediately – such as recognition of the devastating impact of treatment with Interferon and the inadequacy of the award for those who have been subject to unethical research.

Some will require more political engagement but we urge the Government to rise to the challenge. We have heard from countless clients, for example, about the importance of implementing the supplementary route for affected people including children, parents and siblings. We also urgently need transparency of the timetable for the affected and an acceleration of the payment schedule to them.

The Government has earmarked £11.8bn in funds for the infected blood community. We need the Government to work constructively now with the Inquiry and the victims to implement Sir Brian’s recommendations without delay.”

ENDS

TTo interview Des Collins or any of his clients about their experience of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, please contact:-

Bell Yard Communications: Louise Beeson: louise@bell-yard.com / Mob: 07768 956997

Notes to Editors

The Infected Blood Inquiry, chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff, was the UK’s largest ever statutory inquiry. It began in July 2018 to examine the circumstances in which patients treated by the NHS in the 1970s and 80s became infected with HIV and Hepatitis due to treatment involving infected blood products. The Inquiry Final Report was published on 20 May 2024. Collins Solicitors represented the largest victim group in the Inquiry – numbering some 1,500 infected and affected clients. It also worked tirelessly alongside various campaign groups within the infected blood community to put the Government under pressure to acknowledge its failings and agree to pay compensation. An £11.8 billion compensation package is currently being disbursed by the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and Collins Solicitors continues to support clients in the application process to the scheme.