UK Government Widens Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Following Critical Inquiry

The UK government is implementing substantial changes to the compensation scheme for thousands of victims of the infected blood scandal, following a critical report by the Infected Blood Inquiry chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff. The changes include allowing relatives of deceased victims to claim compensation, extending eligibility to those infected with HIV before 1982, and removing the requirement for hepatitis patients to provide a diagnosis date. The government has accepted several recommendations immediately and will consult on others, aiming to make the compensation process faster and fairer, as victims have been previously "harmed further" by the scheme's shortcomings. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority will introduce a new registration system to allow victims to claim without waiting to be invited. Additionally, a national memorial for the victims is being planned, reflecting the scale and gravity of what is deemed the worst treatment disaster in NHS history. Victims' groups have cautiously welcomed the reforms but express concern over ongoing consultations and delays.