The Coalition Government has announced changes to the level of payments made to those victims affected by hepatitis C as a result of infections transmitted through blood transfusions and blood products in England more than two decades ago.

The new measures will remove historical unfairness in the system and provide between £100m and £130m in additional support, on top of the £206m already paid to affected patients. The announcement follows a review conducted by the Department of Health.

Ministers believe the changes best meets the needs of those most seriously affected and removes the anomalies that exist between the current payment scheme for hepatitis C and those for HIV.

Local MP, Marcus Jones, has welcomed the changes, saying: “I know I have constituents affected by this tragedy and am pleased that they will get a package of support which will enable them to have greater financial certainty about the future.”

He added: “This is a very difficult and tragic issue. The infections were transmitted mainly in the 70s and early 80s, and have impacted the lives of many families through the premature deaths of loved ones. Whilst these changes cannot undo what has happened, I very much hope they will go some way to making the lives of those affected that little bit easier in terms of finances and certainty.”

“I would encourage anyone who contracted hepatitis C through treatment with blood transfusions or blood products to contact the Skipton Fund as they may be eligible for support under the new arrangements.”

The Skipton Fund can be contacted at www.skiptonfund.org.uk or by phoning 0207 808 1160.