Thalidomide survivors set to receive government funding

FUNDING will be provided to local thalidomide survivors under plans announced by the Scottish Government.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the money would be given to help them as they grew older and encountered additional challenges.

Making adjustments to their homes and buying more specialist equipment is key to survivors retaining independence, she added.

"The prescribing of thalidomide was a shocking episode in our history and the survivors are still living with the tragic consequences," she said.

"I'd like to pay tribute to those survivors, who have battled every single day to lead full lives. Now, as they become older, they are likely to need a range of assistance and adaptation to enable them to continue to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible."