MP Questions Ministers on Contaminated Blood Scandal

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, today questioned Ministers on the ongoing contaminated blood scandal.

Responding to an urgent question by the House of Commons, the Minister announced the launch of a consultation on reform to the infected blood scheme.

The Department of Health has identified £100 million to fund the proposals. This is in addition to the £25 million announced in March.

In a question to the Minister, Chloe welcomed the progress which is long needed and urged the Government to focus on making good on the promise of treatment for Hepatitis C at every level of the NHS.

Commenting on the statement Chloe said:

“I think this is good progress. I welcome the confirmation of £100 million of additional funding for this scheme, especially the commitment to backdated payments and the uplifting of current annual support to £15,000. It is good to move to annual payments for all which will reduce worry and trouble for ill people.

“From here on I am looking to ministers to ensure that today's promise of treatment is made to happen at every level of the NHS. Obviously, after a long wait and tremendous injustice, there is no appetite for more bureaucracy at this stage.”

Responding to Chloe in the Commons, the Minister confirmed that health assessments would be used to check for bureaucratic problems and that the consultation was keen to hear from anyone who had been affected. The consultation also looks at providing discretionary support for bereaved partners.

Chloe has been actively raising questions on contaminated blood with Ministers and is continuing to follow the issue on behalf of ill constituents as the consultation progresses.