Latest news with #HepC
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.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
NHS to ask millions of patients new question to find more infected blood victims
People aged 29 and over who newly register with GP practices in England are to be asked if they had a blood transfusion prior to 1996 Health officials are implementing a new initiative to identify Brits who may have unknowingly received infected blood. Starting immediately, anyone aged 29 or over who registers with a GP practice in England will be asked if they underwent a blood transfusion before 1996, according to NHS England. If the answer is yes, they will be offered a test for hepatitis C, known as a silent killer, as symptoms can go undetected for decades, leading to significant liver damage. The hepatitis C virus is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and affects the liver. Without treatment, it can cause severe liver damage. Approximately half of the 800,000 people who register with a GP annually were born after 1996, so around 400,000 will be asked about their blood transfusion history. The new questions for patients will remind them of possible reasons for having had a blood transfusion, including accidents, complications during childbirth, surgery, or other medical treatments. If diagnosed, patients can receive antiviral medication for several weeks, which cures over nine out of 10 hepatitis C cases. The Infected Blood Inquiry's recommendation for the health service to "find the undiagnosed" has led to this initiative. Over 30,000 people in the UK were tragically infected with HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood and blood products during the 1970s to the early 1990s, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and ongoing health issues for survivors. "The failures of the contaminated blood scandal have had a horrifying impact for patients and their families for decades, and I would like to reiterate our deepest apologies for the role the health service played in the suffering and loss for so many," Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, said. He continued: "The NHS is dedicated to implementing the inquiry's recommendations and this simple change to the GP registration process for patients is a vital step forward in ensuring that nobody affected by contaminated blood is living undiagnosed and unsupported. "By routinely checking their risk when anyone signs up to a new GP and offering fast Hep C tests where necessary, we will ensure any undiagnosed cases can be found and treated as quickly as possible, while enabling thousands more to receive the reassurance of a negative test." The current inquiry into the scandal is scrutinising the "timeliness and adequacy of the Government's response to compensation" for the victims, anticipating a report later in the year. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority revealed that as of 6 May, 677 individuals have been invited to initiate their claims, with 106 payments already made, amounting to over £96 million. Any adult in England aged 18 and above can request a free hepatitis C home test from
Powys County Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
NHS rolls out plans to find more infected blood victims
Health officials have launched a new scheme to help identify people who may have unknowingly been given infected blood. People aged 29 and over who newly register with GP practices in England are to be asked if they had a blood transfusion prior to 1996, NHS England said. If they did have a transfusion before 1996 they will be offered a test for hepatitis C, which is known as a silent killer because people can be infected unknowingly for decades before symptoms start and significant damage has already been done. Hepatitis C is a virus that is passed on through blood-to-blood contact and infects the liver. Without treatment, it can cause serious damage to the liver. Around half of the 800,000 people who register with a GP each year were born after 1996, meaning some 400,000 will be asked about their blood transfusion history. NHS England said the new questions for patients will remind them of possible reasons they may have had a blood transfusion, including after an accident, complication during childbirth, surgery, or other medical treatment. People in he UK who had a blood transfusion before 1996 are being urged to get themselves tested for hepatitis C – new NHS figures shared with @PA show that thousands have ordered tests alreadyMy story: #infectedblood — Ella Pickover (@ellapickover) May 29, 2024 If a person is diagnosed they can be given antiviral medication for several weeks, with this treatment curing more than nine out of 10 patients with hepatitis C. The Infected Blood Inquiry, which examined the scandal in depth, recommended that the health service should work to 'find the undiagnosed'. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. 'The failures of the contaminated blood scandal have had a horrifying impact for patients and their families for decades, and I would like to reiterate our deepest apologies for the role the health service played in the suffering and loss for so many,' said Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director. 'The NHS is dedicated to implementing the inquiry's recommendations and this simple change to the GP registration process for patients is a vital step forward in ensuring that nobody affected by contaminated blood is living undiagnosed and unsupported. 'By routinely checking their risk when anyone signs up to a new GP and offering fast Hep C tests where necessary, we will ensure any undiagnosed cases can be found and treated as quickly as possible, while enabling thousands more to receive the reassurance of a negative test.' The inquiry into the scandal is currently examining the 'timeliness and adequacy of the Government's response to compensation' for victims, with a report expected later this year. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority said, as of May 6, 677 people have been asked to start their claim and 106 payments have been made, totalling more than £96 million.
South Wales Argus
19-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
NHS rolls out plans to find more infected blood victims
People aged 29 and over who newly register with GP practices in England are to be asked if they had a blood transfusion prior to 1996, NHS England said. If they did have a transfusion before 1996 they will be offered a test for hepatitis C, which is known as a silent killer because people can be infected unknowingly for decades before symptoms start and significant damage has already been done. The Infected Blood Inquiry published its main report into the scandal in May 2024 (PA) Hepatitis C is a virus that is passed on through blood-to-blood contact and infects the liver. Without treatment, it can cause serious damage to the liver. Around half of the 800,000 people who register with a GP each year were born after 1996, meaning some 400,000 will be asked about their blood transfusion history. NHS England said the new questions for patients will remind them of possible reasons they may have had a blood transfusion, including after an accident, complication during childbirth, surgery, or other medical treatment. People in he UK who had a blood transfusion before 1996 are being urged to get themselves tested for hepatitis C – new NHS figures shared with @PA show that thousands have ordered tests alreadyMy story: #infectedblood — Ella Pickover (@ellapickover) May 29, 2024 If a person is diagnosed they can be given antiviral medication for several weeks, with this treatment curing more than nine out of 10 patients with hepatitis C. The Infected Blood Inquiry, which examined the scandal in depth, recommended that the health service should work to 'find the undiagnosed'. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. 'The failures of the contaminated blood scandal have had a horrifying impact for patients and their families for decades, and I would like to reiterate our deepest apologies for the role the health service played in the suffering and loss for so many,' said Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director. 'The NHS is dedicated to implementing the inquiry's recommendations and this simple change to the GP registration process for patients is a vital step forward in ensuring that nobody affected by contaminated blood is living undiagnosed and unsupported. 'By routinely checking their risk when anyone signs up to a new GP and offering fast Hep C tests where necessary, we will ensure any undiagnosed cases can be found and treated as quickly as possible, while enabling thousands more to receive the reassurance of a negative test.' The inquiry into the scandal is currently examining the 'timeliness and adequacy of the Government's response to compensation' for victims, with a report expected later this year. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority said, as of May 6, 677 people have been asked to start their claim and 106 payments have been made, totalling more than £96 million. – Anyone in England over the age of 18 can order a free at-home test for hepatitis C from
Glasgow Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
NHS rolls out plans to find more infected blood victims
People aged 29 and over who newly register with GP practices in England are to be asked if they had a blood transfusion prior to 1996, NHS England said. If they did have a transfusion before 1996 they will be offered a test for hepatitis C, which is known as a silent killer because people can be infected unknowingly for decades before symptoms start and significant damage has already been done. The Infected Blood Inquiry published its main report into the scandal in May 2024 (PA) Hepatitis C is a virus that is passed on through blood-to-blood contact and infects the liver. Without treatment, it can cause serious damage to the liver. Around half of the 800,000 people who register with a GP each year were born after 1996, meaning some 400,000 will be asked about their blood transfusion history. NHS England said the new questions for patients will remind them of possible reasons they may have had a blood transfusion, including after an accident, complication during childbirth, surgery, or other medical treatment. People in he UK who had a blood transfusion before 1996 are being urged to get themselves tested for hepatitis C – new NHS figures shared with @PA show that thousands have ordered tests alreadyMy story: #infectedblood — Ella Pickover (@ellapickover) May 29, 2024 If a person is diagnosed they can be given antiviral medication for several weeks, with this treatment curing more than nine out of 10 patients with hepatitis C. The Infected Blood Inquiry, which examined the scandal in depth, recommended that the health service should work to 'find the undiagnosed'. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. 'The failures of the contaminated blood scandal have had a horrifying impact for patients and their families for decades, and I would like to reiterate our deepest apologies for the role the health service played in the suffering and loss for so many,' said Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director. 'The NHS is dedicated to implementing the inquiry's recommendations and this simple change to the GP registration process for patients is a vital step forward in ensuring that nobody affected by contaminated blood is living undiagnosed and unsupported. 'By routinely checking their risk when anyone signs up to a new GP and offering fast Hep C tests where necessary, we will ensure any undiagnosed cases can be found and treated as quickly as possible, while enabling thousands more to receive the reassurance of a negative test.' The inquiry into the scandal is currently examining the 'timeliness and adequacy of the Government's response to compensation' for victims, with a report expected later this year. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority said, as of May 6, 677 people have been asked to start their claim and 106 payments have been made, totalling more than £96 million. – Anyone in England over the age of 18 can order a free at-home test for hepatitis C from
