Infected blood scandal: Bereaved families say loved ones who died after being contaminated were being ‘used for research’
Bereaved families who lost loved ones in the contaminated blood scandal say they have seen evidence that proves their relatives were being “used for research” without their knowledge and despite clinicians knowing the risks.
Historic notes in medical records found by campaigners are said to show that some patients being treated for the blood clotting disorder haemophilia in the 1970s and 1980s were given blood plasma treatment which doctors knew might be contaminated and infect them with hepatitis.
Clinicians involved in the treatment have maintained they wanted to study the links between the haemophilia treatment Factor VIII and the risk of infection.
Jason Evans, director of the campaign group Factor 8, believes that instead of stopping treatment, clinicians lobbied to continue trials, even after identifying the association between hepatitis and the treatment.
He has found notes alluding to the research in his own father’s medical records.
Read more:
Infected blood compensation scheme ‘to be extended’
Campaigners concerned govt may seek to delay paying compensation
Mr Evans, whose father died in 1993 after being infected with both HIV and hepatitis C during the course of his treatment for haemophilia, said: “It is appalling that hundreds of people with haemophilia across the country were knowingly infected with lethal viruses under the guise of scientific research.
Neil King was co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis C while receiving treatment for haemophilia
“These secret experiments, conducted without consent, show individuals were treated as mere test subjects, not human beings.
“The fact that this could happen on such a scale, over such a long period of time, is almost incomprehensible.”
Documents – obtained through Freedom of Information requests and medical records provided by families – reveal a timeline of the trials, led by a senior medic who worked for the now defunct Public Health Laboratory Service, say campaigners.
Becka Pagliaro from Waterlooville, near Portsmouth, said she was “shocked” to find notes about the trials in her father’s patient notes.
Her father Neil King was co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis C while receiving treatment for haemophilia. He died in 1996 when he was 38 years old.
“When I got his medical records I saw he was part of this research which I know was something that he would not have agreed to, so that was done covertly,” Ms Pagliaro said.
“I was really shocked – I wondered first of all whether I had received someone else’s medical records because I could not believe what I was seeing.”
Janine Jones’ brother Mark Payton died when he was 41 after being co-infected with both hepatitis C and HIV
Janine Jones’ brother Mark Payton died when he was 41 after being co-infected with both hepatitis C and HIV.
“When I saw the research was on my brother’s records I thought: ‘What’s this?’ And after asking a few questions I didn’t get anywhere,” said the 59-year-old from Warwickshire.
“It was only the last few months that it really came to light – they were being used for research.”
Emma Frame, from South Shields, said that her father had never agreed to be part of studies but found multiple references to them in his medical records.
Ms Frame said: “I have all of his records which is where I came across these studies.
“There is no information other than this doctor’s name, a treatment and then a date. With my dad it was recorded several different times.
“It’s absolutely mind-blowing the information that is out there that has been hidden.”
Jeffrey Frame was co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C and died in 1991 when he was just 39.
Ms Frame said that in the mid 1990s she also discovered that the NHS had kept some of her father’s “samples”, which had not been discussed with the family.
“They still had actual physical samples of my dad who had died years previous,” she said.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Tens of thousands of people were infected with contaminated blood through infected blood products or blood transfusions, largely between the 1970s and 1980s.
People were infected with hepatitis or HIV, and in some cases with both.
An estimated 3,000 people have died as a result, while those who survived have lived with life-long health implications.
Des Collins, senior partner of Collins Solicitors, which represents 1,500 victims and their families, said: “There is now overwhelming evidence that the NHS failed patients on a number of levels in the 70s and 80s and certainly in ways we find shocking and abhorrent.
“We are looking forward to Sir Brian Langstaff’s final Inquiry report in a few weeks’ time, which will lay out the wrongs perpetrated in comprehensive fashion.
“Not only will this reinforce the case for compensating victims and their families, but importantly will shine a light on the lessons to be learned so that mistakes of the past are never repeated again.”
The Infected Blood Inquiry will publish its final report on the scandal on 20 May.
UK
Trump hails ‘highest honour of my life’ at state banquet – as King references trade, Ukraine and environment
Donald Trump said being the first US president to enjoy a second British state visit was “one of the highest honours of my life”, as he wined and dined with royalty at Windsor Castle.
Wednesday evening’s state banquet came after a day full of pomp and pageantry for Mr Trump, who was treated to a carriage procession, military parade, and plenty more lavish treatment.
Trump’s state banquet as it happened
Suited and booted for the banquet to bring the day to a close, sat between the King and Princess of Wales, the president thanked the monarch and Queen for their “extraordinary graciousness”.
Mr Trump said it was a “singular privilege” to be the first American president to be granted a second state banquet, adding: “This is truly one of the highest honours of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country.”
He suggested it might be the last time it happens, adding “I hope it is actually” to laughter.
Pic: PA
Mr Trump’s speech at the banquet followed one from the King, who referenced trade, Ukraine, and environmentalism.
The monarch said the UK and US “fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny” during the First and Second World War, and added: “Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace.”
He mentioned trade between the two countries early in the speech, saying: “Today, our alliance spans every field of endeavour and shows vast potential for growth.
“The United Kingdom was your partner in the first trade deal of your administration, Mr President, bringing jobs and growth to both our countries.
“And no doubt we can go even further as we build this new era of our partnership.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
King gives banquet speech
The King also referenced the environment and said that “in striving for a better world, we also have a precious opportunity to safeguard and to restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us”.
And in more lighthearted comments, the monarch said that “I cannot help but wonder what our forefathers from 1776 would make of our friendship” to audible laughter from the president.
Pic: Reuters
Red Arrows, tech giants and French menu
The dinner capped off Mr Trump’s first day of his state visit to the UK, with the US president joining King Charles to watch a military parade – replete with a Red Arrows flyover – held at Windsor Castle.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
King and Queen welcome Trump
He and first lady Melania Trump also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel, where they laid a wreath at her tomb.
The banquet had 160 attendees, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Keir Starmer, and a long list of American technology CEOs – including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella.
Read more: Who’s who at Trump’s second state banquet
Pics: Reuters
The Silicon Valley executives are in the country as the UK and US announce a landmark technology deal worth billions of pounds.
Sir Keir, meanwhile, has his focus set on talks with Mr Trump at his Chequers country retreat on Thursday.
Photos from Windsor Castle ahead of the banquet showed a lavish arrangement – with a menu in French as has been tradition since the Norman conquests of the 11th century.
Pics: Reuters
Pic: PA
Has the royal Truman Show for Trump been worth the enormous effort?
Trump state visit II has so far been like The Truman Show.
A lavish production and spectacle revolving around just one man, while outside the set of Windsor Castle, beyond the big walls put up to fence it in, the world goes on.
The question is – has it been worth all the enormous effort and expense?
UK-US bond ‘unbreakable’, says Trump
On the relationship between the UK and US, Mr Trump said that “seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice,” before adding: “We’re like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same prose.
“Each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.
“It’s irreplaceable and unbreakable.”
Pic: PA
Pic: Reuters
He then made a reference to former US president Joe Biden, saying: “We had a very sick country one year ago, and today I believe we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
Mr Trump also told the King he had raised “a remarkable son” in Prince William before saying: “Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.”
Trump state visit II has so far been like The Truman Show.
A lavish production and spectacle revolving around just one man, while outside the set of Windsor Castle, beyond the big walls put up to fence it in, the world goes on.
The question is – has it been worth all the enormous effort and expense?
Britain’s constitutional monarchy has mustered all its ceremonial might to pull off an extraordinary show.
The King and Donald Trump watch the Red Arrows. Pic: Reuters
The King and President Trump at a military ceremony at Windsor Castle, but the public was not invited. Pic: Reuters
Latest updates on Trump’s state visit
Donald Trump has seemed genuinely moved by the performance put on by a cast of hundreds entirely for his benefit.
But there has seemed something missing – people.
Previous state visits have always involved the monarch’s subjects, lining the route as the honoured guest is transported by state coach.
On Wednesday, plenty of deer roamed Windsor Great Park, but not the public.
There was good reason for this royal Truman Show.
The King and Donald Trump sit in a carriage during a procession through Windsor Castle. Pic: Reuters
Like Truman Burbank, Donald Trump could not be exposed to the reality of life outside the castle fencing and walls.
Such a thin-skinned president might react adversely, it was decided by those organising this visit.
We will get a first sense of what Britain gets in return for all this on Thursday, the business end of this state visit.
What deals have been struck by the tech and business titans the US president has brought with him?
Will there be any sign that he has moderated his positions on Ukraine and Gaza? Will he make concessions to the UK on trade?
Read more:
King references trade, Ukraine and environmentalism beside Trump
In pictures: Donald Trump given royal welcome
The real world starts crowding back in on Trump on Thursday afternoon when he faces journalists at a closing news conference.
Two words threaten to upset the president’s mood. Jeffrey and Epstein.
The gathering storm surrounding the infamous paedophile soured the mood ahead of this visit and claimed the scalp of Britain’s ambassador in Washington, Lord Mandelson.
Could the scandal also upset its outcome?
MSPs have voted to abolish Scotland’s controversial not proven verdict.
The Scottish government’s flagship Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed on Wednesday following a lengthy debate of more than 160 amendments that began the day before.
The new legislation makes a series of changes to the justice system, including scrapping the not proven verdict; establishing a specialist sexual offences court; creating a victims and witnesses commissioner; reforming the jury process to require a two-thirds majority for conviction; and implementing Suzanne’s Law which will require the parole board to take into account if a killer continues to refuse to reveal where they hid their victim’s body.
Following Royal Assent, the legislation will be implemented in phases.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance and First Minister John Swinney. Pic: PA
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system.
“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded.
“This legislation, which builds on progress in recent years, has been shaped by the voices of victims, survivors, their families and support organisations, and it is testimony to their tireless efforts to campaign for further improvement.
“I am grateful to those who bravely shared their experiences to inform the development of this legislation and pave a better, more compassionate path for others.”
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) had earlier urged MSPs to put aside party politics and vote “for the intention of the bill”.
Kate Wallace, chief executive of VSS, believes the act is a “solid foundation” on which to build further improvements.
She added: “The passing of this act represents a momentous occasion for Scotland’s criminal justice system.
“It marks a significant step towards creating a system that considers and prioritises the needs of people impacted by crime.”
VSS worked with the families of Arlene Fraser and Suzanne Pilley to spearhead Suzanne’s Law.
Ms Fraser was murdered by estranged husband Nat Fraser in 1998, while Ms Pilley was killed by David Gilroy in 2010. To date, the women’s bodies have never been recovered.
Before the bill, parole board rules dictated that a killer’s refusal to disclose the information “may” be taken into account.
The new legislation means parole boards “must” take the refusal to cooperate into account.
(L-R) Suzanne’s Law campaigners Isabelle Thompson and Carol Gillies, the mum and sister of Arlene Fraser, alongside Gail Fairgrieve and Sylvia Pilley, the sister and mum of Suzanne Pilley. Pic: PA
Carol Gillies, sister of Ms Fraser, and Gail Fairgrieve, sister of Ms Pilley said: “We have done everything possible to make this change to parole in memory of Arlene and Suzanne, and for other people who have lost their lives in such a horrific way.
“For our families, the passing of this act and the change to parole are momentous.”
Read more from Sky News:
Why next year’s Scottish elections could get messy
The Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour voted against the bill.
Although in support of the abolition of the not proven verdict, the Scottish Tories said they had been left with no alternative but to oppose the bill after the SNP rejected a series of amendments.
The party had called for a Scotland-only grooming gangs inquiry; wanted victims to be told if a decision was taken not to prosecute an accused; and for all victims to be informed if a plea deal was struck between defence and prosecution lawyers.
They also wanted Suzanne’s Law to be strengthened, which would have compelled killers to reveal the location of their victim’s body or risk having their parole rejected – ensuring “no body, no release”.
MSP Liam Kerr, shadow justice secretary, said: “This half-baked bill sells the victims of crime desperately short.
“By ignoring many of the key demands of victims’ groups, the SNP have squandered the chance for a long overdue rebalancing of Scotland’s justice system.
“The Scottish Conservatives’ common sense amendments would have given this legislation real teeth but, by rejecting them, the nationalists have delivered a victims’ bill in name only.
“While we back the abolition of the not proven verdict, the SNP’s intransigence on a number of key issues meant we could not support this bill in its final form.”
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment12 months agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024