Infected blood scandal victims sue
HUNDREDS of infected blood victims are suing the Government after criticism over the proposed compensation plans.
The civil litigation, brought against the Secretary of State for Health, alleges “misfeasance in public office” over the scandal that saw thousands infected with HIV and hepatitis C in the 1970s and 1980s.
The action was relaunched after Sir Brian Langstaff’s damning inquiry report found the tragic events “could largely have been avoided” and that there was a “pervasive” cover-up to hide the truth.
Misfeasance is a civil offence relating to alleged misuse or abuse of power by a public official or authority causing loss or harm.
Des Collins, from Collins Solicitors which represents 1,500 victims, said: “What [said] when we launched this action was that everything the Government had done was wrong and they covered it up and lied about it.
The report supports that view.” Around 500 victims were said to have put their names to the lawsuit.
It comes as around 50 former pupils from the Lord Mayor Treloar College are also suing the school, alleging that it breached its duty when children with haemophilia contracted HIV and hepatitis while boarding there.
The report found children were used as “objects for research” while risks were ignored.Survivors said in a joint statement that “there is nothing honourable about what happened”, and called on Alexander Macpherson, who was headmaster there from 1974 to 1990, to return his OBE.
Steve Nicholls, 57, from Farnham in Surrey who attended the school from 1976 to 1983, said: “We have been referred to as the darkest chapter within the Infected Blood Inquiry.
“For us to get recognition and justice for all the haemophiliac boys and their families, we feel it is necessary to pursue it through the courts.” Mr Collins claimed: “It’s the deliberate killing of 70 or 80 pupils, which you can only say quickly because it’s so horrendous if you actually dwell on the words.”
Rishi Sunak said the exploitation of children at Treloar’s was a source of “eternal shame”. The Prime Minister issued an apology to victims and vowed “comprehensive” compensation will be delivered.
Those living with HIV as a result of the scandal could get £2.2million to £2.6million. A Government spokesman said: “We do not comment on ongoing legal cases.”