Compensation for hepatitis C

Campaigners say the government should include the families of those who have already died of liver disease in a 'financial assistance' scheme for people infected with hepatitis C from contaminated blood products.

Last week, health secretary John Reid surprised campaigners by announcing a compensation scheme for around 2,800 people with the inherited blood disorder haemophilia who were infected.

Mr Reid said payments should be made on compassionate grounds.

Payment details have not been worked out. In Scotland, health minister Malcolm Chisholm has agreed to award people infected in a similar way with up to£45,000.

The Haemophilia Society said the news was a welcome surprise, but called for payments to include the families of those who have already died.