Contaminated Blood (Support for Infected and Bereaved Persons) Bill [HL]

Official Summary

To establish a committee to advise on haemophilia; to make provision in relation to blood donations; to establish a scheme for NHS Compensation Cards for people who have been treated with and infected by contaminated blood or blood products; to make provision for the financial compensation of people treated with and infected by contaminated blood and blood products and their widows, dependants and carers; to establish a review of the support available for people who have been treated with and infected by contaminated blood or blood products; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This bill aims to support individuals infected with diseases due to contaminated NHS blood products, and their families. It establishes a committee to advise on haemophilia treatment, improves blood safety measures, introduces NHS Compensation Cards, provides financial compensation, and conducts a review of support systems.

Description

The bill creates a committee to advise on haemophilia treatment, focusing on therapy selection, accessibility, and the needs of those infected by contaminated blood. It mandates enhanced blood safety measures, including routine testing for various diseases and the implementation of prion filtration. A scheme will issue NHS Compensation Cards offering free access to NHS services such as prescription drugs, counselling, and therapies, along with prioritized treatment.

Financial Compensation

The bill provides for financial compensation to those infected with diseases due to contaminated blood and blood products, as well as their carers, widows, and dependents. This compensation is non means-tested and includes an initial lump sum and periodical payments. An appeal mechanism is also established.

Review

A review will examine eligibility criteria for dependents of deceased victims, medical insurance options for those infected, the number of potentially unknown infected individuals, and funding for relevant charities. A report will be presented to Parliament within a year.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are significant but not specified in exact figures. It will involve costs associated with the establishment and operation of the advisory committee, enhanced blood safety measures, the NHS Compensation Card scheme, financial compensation payments, and the conduct of the review.

Groups Affected

People with haemophilia: Will benefit from improved treatment advice and blood safety measures.
Individuals infected by contaminated NHS blood: Will receive NHS Compensation Cards and financial compensation.
Carers, widows, and dependents of infected individuals: Will also receive financial compensation.
NHS: Will be responsible for implementing the new scheme and providing services.
Blood donors: Will undergo enhanced testing for blood-borne diseases.
Charities supporting haemophilia patients: May receive additional funding through the proposed review.

Full Text

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