Prime Minister to consider inquiry into contaminated blood scandal

Michelle Tolley had blood transfusions twice when she was pregnant in the 1980s and got diabetes by the 1990s. Six months ago was she diagnosed with HIV.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

Prime Minister Theresa May said she will consider setting up a Hillsborough-style independent panel to shed light on the NHS scandal.

Health service failings in the 1970s and 1980s saw hundreds of people infected with hepatitis C and HIV.

The Government set out plans earlier this year for a reformed system of support which will see every victim receive a regular annual payment for the first time.

But Alan Kirkham, from Hellesdon, said 'people are dying now'.

'We already know how we were contaminated,' he said. 'They ran short of blood and decided to buy it in. They didn't tell us about the risks because they didn't want us to know.

'What they now need to do is sit down is sit down with the victims and compensation specialists to understand the depth of need.

'People are suffering now, and need help now.'

Mr Kirkham has now been cured of his Hepatitis C after being infected from a blood transfusion during an operation on his ankles in 1983 to fight the arthritis which was limiting his movement.

But Michelle Tolley, of Sparham, is coming to terms with her diagnosis just last year, and says she wants answers.

'We shouldn't have to fight for an inquiry - it should be automatic,' she said. Scotland had the Penrose Inquiry so why can't we? 'People need to know why it was allowed in the first place. In the late 70s they were warned about contaminated blood, and in 1985 they definitely knew. I had my transfusion in 1987. 'We need the answers for closure, just like the people who have lost loved ones need closure. There has been an injustice here and the government still are not doing enough.'

Labour's Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) had urged Mrs May at Prime Minister's Questions to look at setting up a review into the 'biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS'.

'Victims are still waiting for answers and justice 35 years on,' she said.

Mrs May told the House: 'You obviously raise a very important point in relation to contaminated blood.

'I will take the point that you have made away and consider it.

'Obviously, as you will know, the reasons and the background which led to the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

'But I recognise the concern that people have about contaminated blood and will consider the point that you have made.'