From the Guardian · · 1m 20s
Infected Blood Claimants Struggle to Prove Eligibility
Claimants face decades-old record hunts to prove infected blood compensation eligibility despite inquiry recommendations.
In brief
Claimants face decades-old record hunts to prove infected blood compensation eligibility despite inquiry recommendations. Infected blood victims and families must prove eligibility for compensation using old medical records despite public inquiry's 'balance of probability' standard. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Suzanne Morgan's mother
Suzanne Morgan's mother Marie Jupe died after a routine blood transfusion contracted hepatitis C.
“I went into full-blown miscarriage. I was in total shock. I was hysterical.”
35 years later
Morgan now faces proving eligibility for compensation despite inquiry's 'balance of probability' recommendation.
“I have been everywhere to try and get medical notes of any sort. I cannot get them.”
Hepatitis C Trust chief
Rachel Halford says claimants face intolerable burden after decades of injustice.
“People feel they are being treated as potential fraudsters rather than victims of one of the greatest scandals in our history”
Bureaucratic demands
Claimants must show school records, tenancy agreements, utility bills or family photos to prove basic eligibility.
“They have been asked to prove even the most basic of things”
Haemophilia Society
Two years since IBCA inception, only 15% of compensation claims processed.
“The Haemophilia Society is calling for regulatory change to shift burden of evidence from applicants to the state”
Compensation shortfall
Luke O'Shea Phillips estimates £1m shortfall due to inability to prove liver damage from infected blood.
“My infection is my life, and it’s unrecognised in every way”
Medical records destroyed
Andrew Whittaker's medical records destroyed when hospital merged, complicating compensation claims.
“It’s 31 years since he died and it brought it all back again”
IBCA response
IBCA says missing records won't prevent claims and will determine most likely from all available evidence.
“We will determine what is most likely from all available evidence”
Government response
Government says it will make changes to ensure victims receive compensation they deserve.
“The government has listened and learned through constant engagement with the community”
Compensation challenges
Claimants face 'tick box' approach with eligibility criteria designed to minimise compensation payouts.
“The Cabinet Office is completely controlling the Infected Blood Compensation Authority scheme”
The bottom line
Infected blood victims and families must prove eligibility for compensation using old medical records despite public inquiry's 'balance of probability' standard.
