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Infected blood scandal

(54 Posts)
Germanshepherdsmum Fri 17-May-24 12:08:26

I lost a lot of blood giving birth in 1985 but refused to have a transfusion because of the known contamination of blood. I also told my husband to refuse on my behalf if I should be incapable. Fortunately I had been looking after myself, had a good blood count and all was well.

fancythat Fri 17-May-24 11:45:45

I dont normally put on a link, but think I will in this case. It is from the BBC website.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48596605

I think I had a transfusion in 1993.
Seems like, from this link, it is up to and including 1991, that there were possible problems?

I think I will maybe check things with my GP next time I am in there.

Thanks for the heads up on all this.
Glad your test was negative.

Gardenersdelight Fri 17-May-24 11:38:35

I was a student nurse in late 80s and looked after several patients who had been infected by this
It was so sad and infuriating

Annypop Fri 17-May-24 11:26:14

Listening to the news this morning I heard Anita Roddick's daughter speaking about the blood transfusion carrying hepititus C which Anita received after or during childbirth in the 1980's.
Anita eventually died 30 years later being unaware she had the infection until shortly before she died.
I too had a transfusion after childbirth in 1983 and since the media coverage last week had become very concerned. Following the link on the BBC website encouraging anyone who had a transfusion between 70's and 90's to take a Hep C test I did so. The test was delivered on Saturday, returned to the lab on Monday and thankfully a negative result was received on Wednesday. I had thought long and hard about taking the test as I relealised the implications a positive result would have on my family with many risks to them too.
Sadly some people will not obtain the same result as me, as they say there could be 3000 people unknowingly living with Hep C until they eventually find they are suffering from liver failure.
How could the government and NHS play so cruelly with peoples lives once they knew the blood products being used were eventually goimg to kill people? Early treatment for Hep C is essential to save lives.
If you are concerned as I was the test is easy to use, just follow the link on the website.