On Thursday afternoon, representatives from Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum met with Jenni Minto MSP, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, to discuss the progress of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and highlight the ongoing concerns of the Scottish infected blood community.
Ms Minto began the meeting by sharing her observations from attending Central Hall in Westminster when the Inquiry’s final report was published. She also expressed her intention to seek a meeting with the new UK Minister for the Cabinet Office as soon as possible following the General Election.
Bill Wright thanked the Minister for recognising the relief and vindication felt throughout the community on the day of the final report. He stressed however that all these sentiments had been overshadowed and destroyed in the subsequent 48 hours by the publication of the Compensation Scheme and the General Election announcement. Ms Minto agreed that this situation must be very difficult for everyone involved.
We then discussed the engagement meeting with Sir Robert Francis when serious concerns over the proposed compensation scheme were raised by campaigners (details of which are listed in our article from 18 June 2024). When asked to comment on concerns over the future of the support schemes, Ms Minto confirmed that no decision had been made on SIBSS by the Scottish Government. She emphasised her understanding of the importance of protecting ongoing payments for the community and reiterated the Scottish Government’s willingness to support this position in discussions with their counterparts in the UK Government.
The meeting concluded with an update on the memorial for the Scottish infected and affected blood community. The Minister offered any assistance she could provide to help progress this project to completion.
Although Haemophilia Scotland is disappointed that Ms Minto could not commit to any positive decision on SIBSS, we remain confident that the Minister understands the level of concern and harm this uncertainty has caused to those affected. Haemophilia Scotland will continue to engage with the Scottish Government where possible and urge them to honour the recommendations from both Sir Robert Francis and Sir Brian Langstaff that the support schemes should continue and be guaranteed for life.