Victim of contaminated blood transfusion pursues government

A man who was given contaminated blood during an operation is launching a case for compensation from the government.

Father-of-two Glenn Wilkinson, 46, who suffers from haemophilia, underwent a routine operation to remove three teeth at Hull Royal Infirmary in 1983. During the operation he was given infected blood and has since discovered he had contracted Hepatitis C from the operation.

Mr Wilkinson may also have been infected with the human form of 'mad cow disease', but, until symptoms appear doctors will be unable to confirm this.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s there were many cases similar to Mr Wilkinson's and during the two decades 4,670 patients contracted Hepatitis C from blood transfusions. Of those, 1,243 also contracted HIV, the virus often leading to AIDS.

The contaminated blood has since been revealed to have come from American 'skid row' donors, supplied by American pharmaceutical firms who paid US prisoners, including prostitutes and drug addicts, to provide their vital fluids.

Mr Wilkinson, of Cottingham Road, West Hull was given 'factor VIII concentrate' which was then regarded as a medical innovation to help haemophiliac's blood clot. In 1995, blood tests revealed he had Hepatitis C, with the late diagnosis his family members may also have been exposed to the potential of cross infection.

Mr Wilkinson accused the government of trying to bury the scandal stating: "They have never given us any kind of apology. No-one has said 'sorry.' At least that would really heal some wounds and give us the closure we need."

A two-year independent inquiry called on the government to pay direct financial relief to sufferers and their families. Ministers at The Department of Health have met campaigners to discuss the issue.