Government to review the fund for hepatitis C sufferers

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The scheme known as the Skipton Fund, which makes payments to those infected with hepatitis C through contaminated NHS supplied blood, blood products and tissues is to be reviewed early, the Government announced today.

The commitment to review the fund was decided following Lord Archer of Sandwell’s independent inquiry into contaminated blood and was originally planned for 2014.

The review has been brought forward after Ministers have listened carefully to a broad range of views from those infected with hepatitis C, their families and carers, and those in Parliament who represent them.

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said:

'The lives of many people and their families have been seriously impaired by the unintended and tragic consequences of these treatments.

'The Government has been listening carefully to the views of those affected, who have told us that our intended review date of 2014 will be too late for many of those affected. Therefore, the review will be brought forward to begin as soon as possible this year.'

The review will be independently chaired and the terms of reference, membership and conduct of the review will be agreed in full conjunction with the Devolved Administrations.

Notes to editors

1. For Further enquiries please contact the DH Newsdesk on 0207 210 5221.
2. The Skipton Fund was set up in 2004 as a company limited by guarantee. The principal activity of the company is to implement and manage the UK-wide ex gratia payments scheme for people infected with Hepatitis C from NHS treatment with blood, blood products or tissue.
3. The company acts as agent for the Department of Health, which in turn acts for the health departments of the devolved administrations. No payments were made in respect of those who died before 29 August 2003 (when the scheme was announced) and no payments are made to people who have cleared the virus spontaneously in the acute phase of the disease.