A woman whose father was infected with HIV and hepatitis C by contaminated blood products used to treat haemophilia has said she has been left "angry" and "frustrated" by compensation delays. Ted Burkert, a single father of five from Bradford, died in 1992 shortly after suffering a brain bleed. His daughter, Eileen Burkert, made her comments ahead of a two-day hearing of the Infected Blood Inquiry, which has been reconvened to consider the "timeliness and adequacy" of the government response. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), which was set up by the government to administer payments, said its priority remained "paying as many people as soon as possible". More than 30,000 people contracted HIV and hepatitis from contaminated blood or blood products in the 1970s and 80s – and 3,000 people have since died. In May 2024, a six-year investigation by the infected blood inquiry identified a "catalogue of failures" and concluded the scandal could have been "largely avoided". The government launched a compensation scheme for victims and families in the wake of the report - but there has been growing criticism about how it works. Ms Burkert, who now lives near Halifax, said she was "elated" when the public inquiry published its report but now feels "frustrated, angry and in the dark." "Compensation is really, really important," she said. "We can put it to bed after this, we can grieve properly, like we should have done years ago. "We can look at his photograph, we can go and visit his grave, and we can feel like we've got the justice for him," she said. Figures released by the IBCA in April 2025 show 475 people have been invited to make a claim, while 137 offers of compensation, worth more than £130m, have been made. So far, 77 payments have been made to claimants totalling £78.4m. On itswebsite, the arms-length body has stated that by "starting small" it can improve and grow the service, so it can be opened to "more and more people". Ms Burkert said it felt like there was "no end to it" and her family "just want it over". "Yes, with the final report there was a conclusion, but now with the compensation, nothing's happening," she said. The infected blood inquiry has been reconvened on 7-8 May and will hear evidence on a range of issues, including the time it is taking to process claims and how much involvement those affected by the scandal had in the design of the scheme. The inquiry findings will be published at a later date. Kate Burt, chief executive of The Haemophilia Society, said: "The government's refusal to listen to the infected blood community, and those with specialist experience of their care, has resulted in a flawed compensation scheme, which has failed to win the trust of many people at the heart of this scandal." An IBCA spokesperson said: "We have learned from every claim we have supported since we started to open our service in October 2024. "Now we are using everything we have learned to increase the number of claims each week. "As we continue to pay compensation to those who are infected and registered with a support scheme, we are also expanding our team of trained claim managers. This means we can make more payments and make them faster. "At the end of April, we opened our service to 200 more people and from 5 May we will open our service to another 200 people. "From then on, we will ask for an average of 100 people to start their claims each and every week."
Infected blood family angry after payout delay
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Families Affected by Contaminated Blood Demand Timely Compensation Amid Inquiry"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Eileen Burkert, the daughter of a man who contracted HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood products, has expressed her deep anger and frustration over the delays in compensation related to the Infected Blood Inquiry. Her father, Ted Burkert, who was a single parent of five, passed away in 1992 following a brain bleed, leaving a lasting impact on his family. As the inquiry reconvenes for a two-day hearing to assess the government's response to this tragic scandal, Eileen hopes for timely compensation to provide closure for her family. More than 30,000 individuals were infected with HIV and hepatitis during the 1970s and 80s due to contaminated blood, with approximately 3,000 fatalities reported since then. The inquiry, which released a comprehensive report in May 2024 detailing significant failures, has prompted the government to establish a compensation scheme. However, many affected individuals, including Eileen, feel that the current compensation process is inadequate and lacking transparency.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) has stated that its priority is to expedite payments to as many claimants as possible. As of April 2025, 475 claims had been initiated, with 137 compensation offers made totaling over £130 million. Yet, only 77 payments amounting to £78.4 million have been disbursed. Eileen Burkert highlighted the emotional toll on her family, emphasizing the need for justice to properly grieve and honor her father's memory. The inquiry will further investigate the delays in processing claims and the extent of involvement from those affected in the compensation scheme's design. Critics, including Kate Burt, chief executive of The Haemophilia Society, have pointed out that the government has not adequately engaged with the infected blood community, resulting in a flawed compensation system. The IBCA has acknowledged its learning curve since its inception in October 2024 and aims to enhance its operations to facilitate faster payments to those affected by this historic injustice.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article covers the ongoing frustration of families affected by the contaminated blood scandal in the UK, focusing on Eileen Burkert's personal experience as she demands timely compensation for her deceased father's suffering. The delays in the compensation process are highlighted during the Infected Blood Inquiry, raising questions about the government’s accountability and the adequacy of its response to this historical injustice.
Emotional Impact on Families
The piece effectively conveys the emotional toll on victims' families, particularly through Eileen Burkert's testimony. Her feelings of anger and frustration reflect a broader sentiment among those affected, emphasizing the urgency of compensation as a means to achieve closure. This emotional angle serves to engage readers and elicit sympathy for the victims and their families, reinforcing the need for accountability.
Government Accountability
The article mentions the findings of a six-year investigation that identified numerous failures in handling contaminated blood products, suggesting a systemic issue within the government. By highlighting this aspect, the article aims to hold authorities accountable for past mistakes and stresses the importance of rectifying these wrongs swiftly.
Compensation Process Critique
The report addresses the current compensation scheme's shortcomings, which has garnered criticism for its pace and effectiveness. This scrutiny points to a perceived failure of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) to deliver on its promises, fueling public dissatisfaction and calls for reform.
Public Sentiment and Advocacy
The sentiments expressed by Eileen Burkert resonate with advocates for justice and support groups that represent victims of the scandal. The article likely aims to rally public support for these families, encouraging collective action for better compensation and recognition of the issue.
Potential Manipulative Elements
While the article presents factual information, the focus on emotional appeals may lead to a perception of manipulation. By emphasizing the personal stories and frustrations of victims, it could be interpreted as an effort to sway public opinion against the government and increase pressure for a quicker resolution. However, this approach also highlights the human aspect of the tragedy, making it relatable to a broader audience.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The article appears credible as it references a significant public inquiry and provides specific figures related to compensation claims. However, the emotional framing might suggest a bias in how the narrative is presented. The truthfulness hinges on the accuracy of the reported figures and the integrity of the inquiry's findings.
Connection to Broader Issues
This news piece ties into broader themes of healthcare accountability and the historical negligence of government bodies in ensuring public safety. It raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in protecting vulnerable populations, which remains a relevant issue in today's healthcare discourse.
Impact on Society and Economy
The ongoing discourse surrounding this scandal could influence public trust in government institutions, potentially affecting political landscapes and policies related to health care. If a significant number of people rally for faster compensation, it may also lead to increased scrutiny of governmental operations and budgets related to public health.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article likely appeals to communities affected by health crises, advocates for social justice, and those concerned about governmental transparency. It aims to bring together individuals who share a common cause in seeking justice for victims of systemic failures.
Market and Economic Implications
While the immediate economic impact of this news on stock markets may be limited, it highlights the importance of public health policies. Companies involved in healthcare, particularly those that may be scrutinized for past actions or policies, could see their stock value impacted by public sentiment regarding health governance.
Geopolitical Relevance
Although primarily a national issue, the scandal reflects on the UK's healthcare system and its governance, resonating with global discussions on health equity and justice. The findings of the inquiry could serve as a cautionary tale for other nations regarding the management of public health initiatives.
AI Influence in Reporting
It's plausible that AI tools were utilized in drafting or organizing the article, particularly in synthesizing data and presenting it in an accessible format. However, the emotional narrative seems to stem from human insight rather than AI, indicating a blend of automated reporting and personal storytelling.
Analysis of Manipulative Aspects
The emotional weight and urgency presented in the article may indeed manipulate reader sentiment toward favoring rapid governmental action. This could be seen as necessary advocacy rather than mere manipulation, as it serves to highlight the plight of affected families and their quest for justice.
In conclusion, the article is a poignant reflection of a historical injustice that continues to impact many lives. The emotional engagement, alongside factual reporting, aims to foster a sense of urgency for the need for reform and accountability from the government.