A woman who developed hepatitis C after receiving a contaminated blood transfusion has expressed that it is “challenging to persist” as she awaits governmental reimbursement. Hazel Busby, 74, residing in Street, Somerset, has accused the government of “indifference” towards the plight of those affected by tainted blood. She continues to await information regarding the compensation she is entitled to, more than a year following the conclusion of a public inquiry and the government’s announcement of a compensation plan.
The government has extended its condolences to Ms. Busby, stating it will act “swiftly” to ensure compensation is disbursed. It is believed that approximately 30,000 patients in the UK contracted HIV or hepatitis B and C due to treatment with a contaminated blood clotting product or through blood transfusions during the 1970s and 80s. An estimated 2,900 individuals have perished as a result of this scandal.
This week, infected blood campaigners handed in a letter to the Prime Minister calling for swifter action
Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds commented earlier this month, deeming it “deeply unsatisfactory” that only 106 final compensation payments have been distributed, a year after the revealing report regarding the scandal was published. Ms. Busby contracted hepatitis C following a blood transfusion in 1971, after experiencing complications from childbirth. She has previously shared that she feels her life “has been taken” by her illness and ongoing pursuit of justice.
Following the May 2024 announcement, Ms. Busby received an interim payment but has heard nothing further nor received any additional compensation. ‘Tiny burning hot pins’ Ms. Busby remarked: “I find it appalling, cold-hearted, distressing, and a Labour government was genuinely stating it desired to assist. Yet upon gaining power, it has barely been mentioned. I am unable to plan anything.
There are commitments I am managing that I am financing, relying on that payment to materialize. It’s quite daunting for me. And it’s tough, extraordinarily tough. I endure all these challenges, the most severe being peripheral neuropathy, which feels like thousands of tiny burning hot pins jabbing into my feet and legs incessantly. I take medications like fentanyl. I wish to avoid it. I desire to live fully aware – but you don’t really, you aren’t your complete self at all.
Last month, Ms. Busby’s MP, Sarah Dyke, brought her situation before the House of Commons. “Her situation is genuinely heartbreaking, so what assurance can the minister provide to individuals like Hazel that they will soon receive assistance?” she inquired. In response, Mr. Thomas-Symonds stated: “I extend my sympathy and, I am sure, that of the entire assembly to Hazel concerning what she has endured.
Ms Busby says the wait for compensation is incredibly frustrating and worrying
The reassurance I provide is that this government will act swiftly. That is what we accomplished by implementing the first set of regulations by 24 August last year and by establishing the second set of regulations by 31 March this year.
I remain eager to assist and support IBCA (Infected Blood Compensation Authority), which operates independently, in any way possible to expedite the payments.” In an additional statement to the House of Commons on 14 May, Mr. Thomas-Symonds noted that payments exceeding £96 million had been disbursed by the IBCA thus far. He mentioned that the IBCA intends to reach out to an average of 100 people each week to initiate their claims.
“I acknowledge that for many within the community, the government’s actions have come after decades have elapsed,” he stated. “Nothing can amend the harm caused by the inaction of various previous governments, and it is not my aim for this statement to undermine that. My current focus is on delivering significant change to ensure that the tragedy of infected blood, among many other disasters, is never permitted to recur.”
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