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08/06/2004
Hepatitis C payments scheme gets NI launch
The body set up to manage the UK-wide ex-gratia payments scheme for people infected with Hepatitis C from HPSS/NHS blood or blood products, is set to go live on July 5.
From today, people can register their details with the Skipton Fund to receive an application form and guidance on how the scheme will work.
The scheme will make lump sum payments of £20,000 to all those who now have Hepatitis C from blood, with a further £25,000 to those people whose illness reaches a more advanced stage.
The ‘advanced stage’ of illness that triggers eligibility for the £25,000 is defined as when a patient develops cirrhosis, liver cancer or if they have received a liver transplant.
Announcing the news in Northern Ireland, Health Minister, Angela Smith, said: “I am very pleased that the fund will soon be able to start processing claims. I hope that everyone in Northern Ireland who is eligible to apply will come forward.
"A great deal of work was necessary, and has been done, to ensure that we have a system that is easy to use and understand. I am delighted that we will soon be at the stage of making payments to those who have been affected.”
People wishing to take forward an application and who have not been in contact with the Department, can contact the Skipton Fund for a copy of the registration form. Those who have given their details to the Department will be sent a registration form shortly and need do nothing in the meantime. The Fund can be contacted at: The Skipton Fund, PO Box 50107, London, SW1H 0YF or tel. 020 7233 0057 or email apply@skiptonfund.org.
(MB)
From today, people can register their details with the Skipton Fund to receive an application form and guidance on how the scheme will work.
The scheme will make lump sum payments of £20,000 to all those who now have Hepatitis C from blood, with a further £25,000 to those people whose illness reaches a more advanced stage.
The ‘advanced stage’ of illness that triggers eligibility for the £25,000 is defined as when a patient develops cirrhosis, liver cancer or if they have received a liver transplant.
Announcing the news in Northern Ireland, Health Minister, Angela Smith, said: “I am very pleased that the fund will soon be able to start processing claims. I hope that everyone in Northern Ireland who is eligible to apply will come forward.
"A great deal of work was necessary, and has been done, to ensure that we have a system that is easy to use and understand. I am delighted that we will soon be at the stage of making payments to those who have been affected.”
People wishing to take forward an application and who have not been in contact with the Department, can contact the Skipton Fund for a copy of the registration form. Those who have given their details to the Department will be sent a registration form shortly and need do nothing in the meantime. The Fund can be contacted at: The Skipton Fund, PO Box 50107, London, SW1H 0YF or tel. 020 7233 0057 or email apply@skiptonfund.org.
(MB)
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