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Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I had no idea I had hep C for 40 years – my GP failed to tell me I tested positive as it slowly destroyed my life
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FRANK Jamieson says his GP practice failed to tell him he had a potentially deadly virus - more than 20 years after he tested positive. 'It has ruined my life", the 58-year-old, from Inverclyde, in Scotland, said. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Frank believes hepatitis C might have affected his ability to have children Credit: SWNS "I have suffered from depression for a long time and have lost everything". Frank was only told last October that he had hepatitis C, which he likely contracted 40 years ago during a leg operation after a road accident in 1984. Hep C is a blood-borne virus which, left untreated, can cause liver cancer and liver failure. It usually displays no symptoms until the virus damages the liver enough to cause liver disease, at which point it can cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating. 'My health was so bad, and I had no idea why," Frank said. "It turned out they were all symptoms of hep C,' he added. It is also linked to cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, kidney disease and musculoskeletal pain. Frank's infection is part of the wider contaminated blood scandal, which saw thousands in Scotland and the UK infected with hepatitis C and HIV from NHS blood products in the 1970s and 80s. He later discovered his GP surgery, Ardgowan Medical Practice in Greenock, knew he tested positive back in 2002, with results confirmed in January 2003. 'The surgery had my results but they never passed them on,' Frank said. Infected Blood Inquiry: Police should look into prosecutions says Labour MP 'After all those years of going to the doctor, and that information being on my file, they are blaming me.' Frank's positive test came just as he and his now wife were preparing for another round of IVF. 'I had my blood tests taken in late 2002 because my now wife and I were set to go through another round of IVF,' he said. 'We had two unsuccessful tries on the NHS and were going to pay for a third.' But that Christmas, both lost their jobs when the company closed, halting their plans. 'Our lives fell apart. We still got married, but we couldn't afford the IVF, so we weren't able to try again,' Frank explained. What is the infected blood scandal? More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. As many as 140,000 bereaved parents, children and siblings of victims may also be able to claim compensation in their own right Two main groups of NHS patients were affected by what has been called the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Firstly, haemophiliacs - and those with similar disorders - who have a rare genetic condition which means their blood does not clot properly. People with haemophilia A have a shortage of a clotting agent called Factor VIII, while people with haemophilia B do not have enough Factor IX. In the 1970s, a new treatment using donated human blood plasma was developed to replace these clotting agents. But entire batches were contaminated with deadly viruses. After being given the infected treatments, about 1,250 people in the UK with bleeding disorders went on to develop both HIV and hepatitis C, including 380 children. About two-thirds later died of Aids-related illnesses. Some unintentionally gave HIV to their partners. Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C on its own, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is difficult to know the exact number of people infected with hepatitis C, partly because it can take decades for symptoms to appear. A second group of patients were given contaminated blood transfusions after childbirth, surgery or other medical treatment between 1970 and 1991. The inquiry estimates that between 80 and 100 of these people were infected with HIV, and about 27,000 with hepatitis C. In total, it is thought about 2,900 people have died. He added: 'Hepatitis C can cause infertility. We would have known that then if we'd had the results.' The practice told Frank patients had to call within seven days for test results - but they have no record of him ever making that call. 'I asked them, where were the results all those years? Were they sitting in a drawer until I phoned?' he added. The virus caused Frank severe health problems, including nerve and joint pain and Raynaud's phenomenon - symptoms that appeared five years ago. 'I have been suicidal' Fortunately, Frank, who worked as an engineer until ill health forced him to give up work, is now free of hep C after undergoing anti-viral treatment. He is now under the care of the SAMH charity (Scottish Action for Mental Health) as well as the NHS's local community mental health team. They are helping him manage his depression and ongoing health challenges. 'I have been suicidal,' he said. 'Right now, I don't want to be here.' Frank hopes to raise awareness so others in Inverclyde don't suffer the same fate. 'There might be other people out there who have missed blood test results, who have hep C or something else and who don't know,' he warned. Now free of the virus after antiviral treatment, Frank is determined to hold his GP practice accountable. 'I want justice. I want to be heard, and I want Ardgowan Medical Practice to take responsibility for what happened,' he said. His complaints to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman were rejected due to the passage of time. But Frank is pursuing support through the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme - a body that helps people infected by NHS blood products with compensation and support. 'My journey is just beginning,' he said. Ardgowan Medical Practice declined to comment when approached by the Greenock Telegraph. The Sun has also contacted the Practice, who again, declined to comment.
North Wales Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School
The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School focuses on the stories of haemophiliac children at the Lord Mayor Treloar School in Hampshire. They were sent to the specialist boarding school with the promise of a 'normal childhood', but instead became victims of secret medical research which left many of them with Hepatitis and HIV. A summary on the Radio Times website adds: "Revealing the true stories of the students of The Lord Mayor Treloar School and Hospital, a place where young haemophiliacs were given Factor VIII, a drug they thought was a cure but was actually a death sentence. "Through deeply personal testimony, this documentary pieces together a story of secret clinical trials, medical negligence and the fight for truth at the heart of the worst medical disaster in NHS history." Of the 122 haemophiliacs who attended Treloar's in the 1970s and 1980s, only around 30 are still alive today. Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual ITV, said: 'As they continue their fight for justice, the raw truth of how thousands were affected by the 1970s and 1980s infected blood scandal is told by some of the last remaining victims themselves in this emotional documentary. "It's shocking how these men have suffered all these years from something that was covered up and could have been prevented.' Our next film 'The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School' is coming to ITV and ITVX at 9pm on the 20th of May! Read about it on our website here - Anna Hall, Executive Producer at Candour Productions, said: 'The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School shows the devastating effect first-hand of a lifetime spent unearthing what happened to our survivors when they were just children. "We are so humbled to have worked with the four men in this film who wanted to make this in honour of their school friends who died, so that the truth would finally be told.' As reported by BBC News, in the 1970s and 1980s, more than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products. One group that was impacted by this were haemophiliacs, who had rare disorders which meant their blood didn't clot properly. Set your reminders, Tuesday 20th May ITV 9pm (Also available to stream on ITV X) The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School 💔💛🖤@chriswardmp @metpoliceuk @sussex_police @HaemoSocUK @UN @EHC_Haemophilia @wfhemophilia @ukhomeoffice @YvetteCooperMP @MoJGovUK @wesstreeting In the 1970s, a new treatment using donated human blood plasma was developed to replace clotting agents in haemophiliacs, but entire batches were contaminated with deadly viruses. An inquiry found that about 1,250 people in the UK with bleeding disorders went on to develop both HIV and hepatitis C, including 380 children. About two-thirds later died of Aids-related illnesses, with some unintentionally passing it onto their partners. Recommended reading: ITV to release documentary about infected blood scandal featuring victims' stories Which blood type is the rarest? How to find out your blood type The best exercise to lower your blood pressure according to new study Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C on its own, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. BBC News adds: "It is difficult to know the exact number of people infected with hepatitis C, partly because it can take decades for symptoms to appear." A second group of patients were given contaminated blood transfusions after childbirth, surgery or other medical treatment between 1970 and 1991. In total, it is thought around 3,000 people have died due to the infected blood scandal.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch new ITV documentary on British contaminated blood scandal
A new ITV documentary relating to the British contaminated blood scandal will be airing tonight (Tuesday, May 20). The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School focuses on the stories of haemophiliac children at the Lord Mayor Treloar School in Hampshire. They were sent to the specialist boarding school with the promise of a 'normal childhood', but instead became victims of secret medical research which left many of them with Hepatitis and HIV. A summary on the Radio Times website adds: "Revealing the true stories of the students of The Lord Mayor Treloar School and Hospital, a place where young haemophiliacs were given Factor VIII, a drug they thought was a cure but was actually a death sentence. "Through deeply personal testimony, this documentary pieces together a story of secret clinical trials, medical negligence and the fight for truth at the heart of the worst medical disaster in NHS history." Of the 122 haemophiliacs who attended Treloar's in the 1970s and 1980s, only around 30 are still alive today. Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual ITV, said: 'As they continue their fight for justice, the raw truth of how thousands were affected by the 1970s and 1980s infected blood scandal is told by some of the last remaining victims themselves in this emotional documentary. "It's shocking how these men have suffered all these years from something that was covered up and could have been prevented.' Our next film 'The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School' is coming to ITV and ITVX at 9pm on the 20th of May! Read about it on our website here - — Candour Productions (@CandourTV) May 16, 2025 Anna Hall, Executive Producer at Candour Productions, said: 'The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School shows the devastating effect first-hand of a lifetime spent unearthing what happened to our survivors when they were just children. "We are so humbled to have worked with the four men in this film who wanted to make this in honour of their school friends who died, so that the truth would finally be told.' As reported by BBC News, in the 1970s and 1980s, more than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products. One group that was impacted by this were haemophiliacs, who had rare disorders which meant their blood didn't clot properly. Set your reminders, Tuesday 20th May ITV 9pm (Also available to stream on ITV X) The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School 💔💛🖤@chriswardmp @metpoliceuk @sussex_police @HaemoSocUK @UN @EHC_Haemophilia @wfhemophilia @ukhomeoffice @YvetteCooperMP @MoJGovUK @wesstreeting — Mark Antony Ward (@Haemosexual) May 14, 2025 In the 1970s, a new treatment using donated human blood plasma was developed to replace clotting agents in haemophiliacs, but entire batches were contaminated with deadly viruses. An inquiry found that about 1,250 people in the UK with bleeding disorders went on to develop both HIV and hepatitis C, including 380 children. About two-thirds later died of Aids-related illnesses, with some unintentionally passing it onto their partners. Recommended reading: ITV to release documentary about infected blood scandal featuring victims' stories Which blood type is the rarest? How to find out your blood type The best exercise to lower your blood pressure according to new study Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C on its own, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. BBC News adds: "It is difficult to know the exact number of people infected with hepatitis C, partly because it can take decades for symptoms to appear." A second group of patients were given contaminated blood transfusions after childbirth, surgery or other medical treatment between 1970 and 1991. In total, it is thought around 3,000 people have died due to the infected blood scandal.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Deathly decision to boost profits killed thousands in infected blood scandal
A new ITV documentary reveals the terrible truth about Britain's biggest medical disaster, the infected blood scandal From 1970 until the early 1990s, an estimated 30,000 people across the UK were unknowingly involved in the infected blood scandal that was buried for decades. The story of the "worst treatment disaster" in the history of the NHS is set to be explored in a new documentary, The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School, following survivors of the 'hushed-up' scandal, and will detail their battle for the truth and justice. Most victims had hereditary bleeding disorder haemophilia - whereby a person's blood doesn't clot properly - and were reassured that a new blood-clotting product, known as Factor VIII, would give them a better chance at a normal life. Instead, they were infected with life-threatening diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated blood products provided by the NHS. In 1974, in an effort to address the shortage of Factor VIII, the NHS began importing blood products sourced from America where donors were paid. This encouraged them to lie about their medical past. These imported products were therefore often sourced from high-risk populations, including prisoners and individuals with substance abuse issues. As a result, the blood products were highly susceptible to contamination with deadly viruses, further exacerbating the risks for patients relying on them for treatment. By 1976, concerns were emerging within the NHS about the safety of these imported blood products. Internal memos and reports highlighted the potential risks of contamination, particularly with viruses like Hepatitis C, then known as non-A/non-B hepatitis. However, these warnings are largely ignored, allowing the distribution of dangerous blood products to continue unchecked. The UK government failed to achieve self-sufficiency in blood products, leading to increased dependency on imported Factor VIII concentrate. This product, sourced from large donor pools, carries a heightened risk of viral contamination. The failure to address these risks effectively sets the stage for the widespread infections that would soon follow. In 1982, the US reported the first death of a man with haemophilia who'd been infected by AIDS. Other warnings followed in 1983 in The Lancet and from the WHO, stating that haemophilia patients should be warned of the risks. At this time, The Haemophilia Society (THS) released statements reassuring those with bleeding disorders that Factor VIII treatments were safe. The organisation later 'apologised unreservedly' for these reassurances, which 'while well-intentioned and based on expert advice, have subsequently been shown to be damaging to the community and false'. The British government, as well as leading clinicians, failed to heed warnings and didn't take appropriate action to switch back to safer products. Meanwhile, as per THS, pharmaceutical companies and clinicians also did not appropriately inform patients about the risks. As chair of the inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, put it when handing down recommendations: "Wrongs were done at individual, collective, and systematic levels." It only took one contaminated sample to infect the entire batch. Heat treating the products could have reduced risks, but this would have cut profit margins due to the product quantity being reduced. By comparison, Canada, which also received infected blood products, made 'humanitarian payments' to victims beginning in the late 1980s, and by the 1990s, a public inquiry had been held and compensation paid. Several organisations and individuals, including the Canadian Red Cross, also faced criminal charges. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "This was an appalling tragedy, and our thoughts remain with all those affected. We are clear that justice needs to be delivered for the victims and have already accepted the moral case for compensation. "This covers a set of extremely complex issues, and it is right we fully consider the needs of the community and the far-reaching impact that this scandal has had on their lives. The Government intends to respond in full to Sir Brian's recommendations for wider compensation following the publication of the Inquiry's final report on 20 May 2024." The 2,527-page report from the Infected Blood Inquiry, published last year on May 20, found the scandal 'could largely have been avoided' and there was a "pervasive" cover-up to hide the truth. It identified a "catalogue of systemic, collective and individual failures" that amounted to a "calamity". Former prime minister Rishi Sunak issued a "wholehearted and unequivocal" apology to the victims, saying the publication of the report into the disaster was 'a day of shame for the British state'. Speaking to reporters on a trip to Austria the following day, Mr Sunak said: "What has happened over decades has been a failure on multiple levels and it is important that yesterday was a day for the community to be heard, and they have waited an incredibly long time for justice and the truth. "That is why I, rightly as Prime Minister, offered an unequivocal apology to everyone affected by this appalling scandal. The infected, the affected, everyone impacted in the community, they have fought under considerable pressure facing prejudice over many decades. "Anyone reading the report will have found it harrowing, indeed devastating, and I am glad that yesterday was a moment for reflection on everything that has happened, and their voices could be heard and they received the apology that they so rightly deserved." Asked if there should be criminal prosecutions of those found to have done wrong during the course of the scandal, Mr Sunak said: "As I said yesterday, anyone, people, individuals, where there is evidence of wrongdoing, of course there must be justice and accountability for that. "But the report is very long, it is very comprehensive, and what I am committed to is the government will now take the time to go through it properly and rigorously before responding in Parliament, and, of course, any individual cases will be a matter for the relevant authorities.' Following the publication, some victims of the scandal have restarted legal action against the government, with their lawyer claiming there was a "misfeasance in public office". It was put on hold in November 2018 but has been relaunched, with around 500 victims putting their name to the lawsuit.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Horrifying doc about children poisoned in an NHS scandal is on TV tonight
Imagine going to a school where you thought your medical needs would be cared for, but in actual fact you were being poisoned… The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned At School, airing on ITV1 tonight (Tuesday 20 May) at 9pm, tells just one shocking story from Britain's biggest medical disaster in NHS history, charting a catalogue of medical failures and a government cover-up. In the 1970s and 1980s more than 30,000 people across Britain were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products and blood transfusions in a hushed-up scandal. This moving documentary tells the tragic personal stories of the haemophiliac children at the Lord Mayor Treloar College in Hampshire, which has since apologised. These 122 kids went to the specialist boarding school with the promise of a 'normal childhood', but instead pupils were used for medical research and given a 'wonder drug'. This drug was infected with Hepatitis and HIV. Around 90 of these people have now died, and this film follows some of the few remaining survivors. Now in their 50s, the men return to the school together and open up about their experiences, recalling how an NHS haemophiliac unit was opened on site so they could rapidly receive a revolutionary treatment called Factor VIII. For many, it was a death sentence. Gary Webster says: 'We were told this was a wonder drug and would change our lives and make me like a normal little boy. I was sticking needles in my arm four or five times a week. If you did miss it, you got punished.' A devastating, largely untold story of resilience and a fight for justice. From Kate Bush to Taylor Swift, Game Of Thrones to Saltburn, the Brontës sisters have influenced culture across the centuries. The original disruptors, these sisters were uncompromising feminist trailblazers - rebels with a literary cause. Anita Rani presents this exploration of the sisters, tracking the impact Anne, Charlotte and Emily have had on millions of readers. The documentary also explores Anita's own relationship with the Brontës as she heads back to her hometown of Bradford to recall the first time she read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights at school and the sense of identification she felt, especially growing up with the stunning Brontë landscape of Haworth and the Moors on her doorstep. She also meets fellow fans and literary experts to explore why their work still feels relevant today. Anita says: 'These strong, unearthly sisters fed into my psyche and made me think anything was possible. I'm going to explore how these women - so full of rage - changed my life, and the world.' Over twenty years since it first graced our screens, this award-winning show is back and putting a new generation of fakers to the test. Each episode sees a brave volunteer dropped into an alien world and given just four weeks to master a new skill. With help from a few mentors, after the time is up they must convince a panel of experts that they are the real deal. Can a fish fryer become a sushi chef or a painter and decorator a make-up artist or will they spot the imposter? As worlds collide and tempers rise, it's an emotional journey for fakers and mentors. First up, posh Surrey estate agent Rex swaps his refined world of million pound properties, wine bars and polo matches for the chaos and crowds of northern street markets, as he tries to become a meat trader. Rex tries to blend in, ditching his posh accent and preppy looks and swapping his Hugh Grant haircut for tattoos. But is it enough? Moira is stressed just as Ross arrives explaining that Lewis, the long-lost son of a woman she killed, is waiting outside for her. Moira braces herself for the encounter. At the Fertility Clinic, despite the doctor's concerns, Sarah's determined to fulfil her dream of motherhood. She's all hellbent on keeping it a secret. Tracy is still secretly using Nate's credit card, until it is unexpectedly declined. Mack is doing everything he can to make amends after his apparent mistake with the slurry. Tensions are running high between Lauren and Peter ahead of their appointment with the health visitor Belinda. Peter is worried when Belinda privately suggests to him that Lauren may be experiencing symptoms of postnatal depression. Kat takes control at the Slaters and calls a family meeting. They all discuss sharing childcare, but worry that Stacey might need professional help. Zack gathers more evidence that Barney isn't safe with Nicola and Teddy. Yolande gets on the wrong side of Nigel.
