At least one islander died in UK’s infected blood scandal
Between one and four Guernsey residents died after being given contaminated blood in the UK.
They contracted serious infections following transfusions received in the UK in the 1970s and 80s and were among an estimated 30,000 victims of the NHS blood scandal.
Health & Social Care confirmed yesterday that at least one islander had died as a result of receiving infected blood, but it did not say when, or release an exact number.
‘HSC is aware of a death or deaths from this. The number is fewer than five individuals,’ said HSC president Al Brouard, in response to Rule 14 questions submitted by Lester Queripel, pictured.
Deputy Queripel’s interest in the scandal was sparked partially by discussions with a couple of local people affected, although he was unaware there had been a death or deaths locally.
HSC also said that some aspects of a national compensation scheme for victims of the blood scandal were now on hold until the UK elects a new government next month.
Before the election was announced, the committee told deputies that States officials were talking to counterparts in the UK involved with the compensation scheme, which includes an interim payment of £210,000 and could eventually be worth more than £2m. to each victim or their estate.
‘No firm policy decisions were made by the UK Government and any further work will be delayed until after the UK’s general election,’ said Deputy Brouard.
‘Officials will continue to engage with UK Government officials regarding the establishment of the compensation scheme and how it might extend to Bailiwick residents.’
That disappointed Deputy Queripel.
‘We know how long things can take in government, but you would have thought with something this vital and life-changing that a way would have been found to fast-track arrangements,’ he said.
It was already known that up to 10 Guernsey residents were given contaminated blood.
They required transfusions as part of care for haemophilia or other haematological disorders or following childbirth, surgery or other medical treatments and later contracted Hepatitis C or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
‘Those individuals have received specialist care and treatment from a consultant virologist,’ said Deputy Brouard.
‘This has included on-island treatment and support through the consultant virologist and the Orchard Centre, with links to off-island providers at a national centre of excellence for advice and support.’
Islanders who are concerned they may have been infected are being offered free screening at the Orchard Centre.
Deputy Queripel said he asked the Rule 14 questions to obtain more detail than Deputy Brouard had provided when making a statement to the States Assembly recently.
‘I think there will be a need for one or two further Rule 14 questions on this issue,’ he said yesterday.
