Written question WQ95448
- Asked by
- Julie MorganLabour
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the impact of the first six months of the infected blood compensation scheme on the people of Wales?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Since the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) was set up in May 2024 they have worked closely with my officials and the team at our Wales Infected Blood Support Scheme (WIBSS) to ensure polies and procedures are in place to assist with the payment of compensation. WIBSS on behalf of IBCA have made 13 interim estate compensation payments (£1.3m) to the families of those infected.
I am aware that the setting up and payment of compensation has not been as fast as some of our beneficiaries would have wished. IBCA are starting small and growing and several of our beneficiaries have elected to become early adaptors to help the staff learn as they increase their numbers and expand the service they provide.
I have met with the Minister for the Cabinet Office and my colleagues in the other nations to agree the process by which our beneficiaries will transfer to the IBCA, and I will update members as this work progresses.