Contaminated blood victims denied payouts

PATIENTS infected with hepatitis C from contaminated blood transfusions are missing out on thousands of pounds each year because they live in Scotland, it emerged today.

Around 80 Lothian residents suffering from haemophilia received the contaminated blood in the 1970s and 1980s and contracted the disease as a result.

It has now emerged that similar sufferers in England and Wales have received a 20,000 compensation payment and will now be granted 12,800 a year in living costs.

Because the Scottish Government has not yet signed up to the scheme, the compensation is only being offered to those in England and Wales.

Myles Hutchison, 38, from Restalrig received an NHS blood transfusion at the age of six months after being diagnosed with haemophilia.

Years later it emerged the blood, some of which was taken from US prisoners in exchange for cigarettes, had infected the father-of-two with hepatitis C.

He told the Evening News: "I found out when I was about 16 that because of the blood I had hepatitis C.

"It wasn't a pleasant time. The stigma is unbelievable, people accusing you of having HIV and being a junkie.

"I worked for 13 years but had to give it up - it has led to sclerosis of the liver. I was falling asleep at my desk, it has had a huge impact on my life."

He added: "It's just a huge feeling of frustration.

"The fight to get compensation has being going on for two decades, but still there are no answers as to how it was allowed to happen.

"Now we have to look to those down south receiving this cash, and in Ireland they get up to 500,000 a case.

"Now, my liver could pack up at any time. I have two young children and a wife that I love very much and I don't know how long I'll be here.

"Hopefully I'll see my kids grow up and spend time with my wife but surely I'm entitled to a certain quality of life and as I can't work or get insurance how can I support my family?"

A campaigner for the cause, London-based Andrew March, who was infected with both hepatitis C and HIV said even if Scottish patients did receive parity, it was still far from ideal.

"The amount is derisory, and hasn't been received well at all," he said.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said they were considering the report of the Department of Health-led Contaminated Blood Review.

She added: "We expect to be in a position to make a formal announcement of our plans for Scottish patients - after seeking the views of patient representatives in Scotland - within the next few weeks."