Northern Ireland

Church of Ireland calls for action for those affected by infected blood contamination

The Infected Blood Inquiry is looking into what has been called "the worst treatment scandal" in NHS history. Picture by Hugh Russell
The Infected Blood Inquiry is looking into what has been called "the worst treatment scandal" in NHS history. Picture by Hugh Russell The Infected Blood Inquiry is looking into what has been called "the worst treatment scandal" in NHS history. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE Church of Ireland has written to the secretary of state Karen Bradley to call for action for those affected by the infected blood contamination.

The church and society commission has requested an increase in welfare payments for people living in Northern Ireland who have been infected or otherwise affected by blood contamination.

The Infected Blood Inquiry, which recently held hearings in Belfast, has been looking into what has been called "the worst treatment scandal" in NHS history.

Around 4,800 people with haemophilia were infected with hepatitis C or HIV in the 1970s and 1980s.

There have been complaints that victims of the contaminated blood scandal in England and Scotland are receiving more financial help than those in Wales and Northern Ireland.

It comes after the British government said in April that it would increase the financial support for people infected and affected by the scandal who are living in England.

In its letter to Mrs Bradley, the church commission has joined calls for more help for those affected in the north.

"As most of the events being covered by the inquiry relate to a period of direct rule, and this is an issue being dealt with at a national level, then we encourage you to take action," they said.

"As a church body and remembering the number of times that Our Lord 'had compassion' then, at the very least, the same compassion could be shown to those who have suffered from a tragedy that should never have happened."