UK's Hepatitis C ex-gratia payment scheme to launch

The Skipton Fund, the body set up to administer the UK-wide ex gratia payment scheme for people infected with Hepatitis C from NHS blood or blood products, will launch and begin processing applications on July 5 2004.

From today, people can register their details with the Skipton Fund to ensure that they are sent application forms and guidance on how the scheme will work.

Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson said:

"I’m pleased to announce that the Skipton Fund will soon be able to start processing claims. This is good news for claimants and I am keen to encourage everyone who is entitled to apply to come forward."

"Further to our consultation with patient groups and experts in this area, I am now confident that the application process will be efficient and user-friendly. In addition, claimants can be sure that their applications will be dealt with fairly."

"This is an important initiative which will go some way towards improving the lives of those inadvertently infected with hepatitis C."

People wishing to take forward an application and who are not already registered on the Department of Health’s confidential mailing list, can contact the Skipton Fund for a copy of the Registration Form. Those registered on the mailing list will be sent a Registration Form shortly, and need do nothing in the meantime.