South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has welcomed the Government’s announcement today of £125 million additional funding to support people infected with contaminated bloods and called on the NI Executive to respond with additional funding for those effected who have been left waiting on a proper funded scheme for many years.
Margaret Ritchie MP said: “I welcome the Government’s decision to allocate £125 million to support those who have been infected by contaminated bloods. This will include support for those living in Northern Ireland suffering with HIV or severe Hepatitis C. Having worked for so long to make Ministers take this issue seriously, I am happy to recognise this positive decision.
“However, the Government has left support for categories of individuals affected in the hands of devolved administrations. That is why I am now calling on the NI Executive and the Department of Health to expand support to other groups, and to the families of infected people who have already passed on as a result of contaminated blood and associated illnesses.
“Furthermore, there is also a compelling need to ensure that all those whose health has been impacted upon by contaminated bloods have full access to all medical treatments as a matter of urgency.”
