Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
On 8 March 2011, the previous Minister for Health and Social Services made a statement about the support provided to people infected with Hepatitis C and/or HIV by contaminated NHS supplied blood transfusions and blood products. A Ministerial Task and Finish Group, chaired by the Medical Director for NHS Wales, was set up to review and report on services for people with inherited bleeding disorders.
The effective management of patients with inherited bleeding disorders is complex and involves the provision of comprehensive care by a team of health care professionals with diverse skills. The Group, therefore, considered a range of issues raised by patient groups on the planning and delivery of diagnosis, treatment and support services, including physiotherapy, counselling and social services support, for people with inherited bleeding disorders in Wales.
A copy of the report is attached for your information.
The Review made a number of recommendations. The Welsh Government is providing £96,369 additional funding on a recurrent basis to support counselling services for those with inherited bleedings disorders which was one of the main recommendations contained within the report.
Local Health Boards have been provided with a copy of the report to help support and inform their service planning in relation to the provision of services.
Finally, in addition to the package of measures the previous Minister announced, I have agreed to fund the Hepatitis C Trust for the next three years to provide a dedicated counselling service for individuals who contracted hepatitis C and/or HIV via contaminated blood and their dependents.
The Welsh Government remains committed to continuing to improve service provision for those individuals with haemophilia and I am sure you will welcome this additional support.