Factor 8

In April, the Infected Blood Inquiry published its final compensation recommendations, marking a significant step toward acknowledging the moral imperative for compensation. The government has recognised the need for justice, and there's widespread support across the political spectrum.

However, the battle is not over. The Amendment Paper of the Victims and Prisoners Bill holds a step forward for those affected. But for this to happen, we need Members of Parliament to sign crucial amendments.

In this episode, Jason Evans talks about the Amendment Paper, a tangible step toward achieving the justice and compensation that victims rightfully deserve.

Jason also talks about the Westminster action day taking place on Tuesday 5th December. Join us as we explore the comprehensive schedule of events planned for this crucial day. We'll be marching to the heart of power, visiting government departments and, of course, making our voices heard at Downing Street.

The pinnacle of the day will be our delegation's visit to No 10 and No 11 Downing Street, where we'll hand-deliver letters demanding action on infected blood compensation. The protest at the Downing Street gates will continue, making our presence impossible to ignore.

Jason Evans speaks with Cara McGoogan, esteemed journalist at The Telegraph and author of the revelatory book "The Poison Line". This book sheds light on one of the most egregious medical disasters and cover-ups in history, involving Factor VIII, a treatment big pharma sold as a medical marvel for people with haemophilia. Their product was, in fact, a death sentence.

Cara explains her journey to uncover the story of how thousands around the world were infected with Hepatitis and HIV through this deadly medication. Cara’s exhaustive investigation and adept storytelling expose the extensive lengths taken by big pharma, doctors, and governments worldwide to conceal the truth behind the infected blood scandal.

Jason and Cara explore the battle against powerful interests, and reveals the tumultuous journey of uncovering the reality behind the scandal. This episode is a discussion and a tribute to the fearless and the resilient, who fought against all odds to ensure the truth prevails.

Whether you are a lover of compelling investigative narratives, have an interest in medical ethics and healthcare, or are simply looking to understand the depths of human resilience and the pursuit of truth, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the shadows and bring forth the untold stories from "The Poison Line".

We unravel the evolving narrative surrounding the contaminated blood scandal and the recent inquiry compensation hearings.

We revisit Rishi Sunak's evidence to the inquiry, juxtaposing it against governmental statements that have spanned decades. How did the narrative remain unchanged from the 1980s to 2016, and what has shifted now?

Jason talks about ongoing FOI battles and dialogues shaping the next steps. We also delve into Sir Brian's recent closing remarks at the hearings, sparking questions about the impending final report and the future of our cause.

Join us as we confront the pressing challenges and reinforce our collective resolve.

In this revealing episode, we delve deep into the inner workings of the government and their response to Sir Robert Francis KC's infected blood compensation study. We examine letters between the Paymaster General, Jeremy Quin and The Chancellor of the Exchequer ,Jeremy Hunt and more.

Bayer, a major pharmaceutical company, sold an infected blood product called Koate which was contaminated with HIV and Hepatitis. This infected product was distributed to countries worldwide, spreading two deadly diseases to unsuspecting patients.

Bayer supplied Koate to multiple countries, including Canada, Italy, Japan, the UK and the United States. The product was made form human plasma, which had not been appropriately screened or heat-treated for infectious diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Because of this, thousands of people were infected by these catastrophic illnesses when they received infusions of this tainted blood product.

At the time, Bayer had marketed Koate as an effective solution for treating hemophilia; however, it failed to adequately disclose its potential risks or warn customers about its contamination levels. Despite the dangers being well known to the manufacturer and health authorities, Bayer continued distributing Koate without proper safety protocols through the mid-1980s.

The consequences of this preventable disaster are still felt today as many who were infected with HIV or Hepatitis through contaminated Koate have since passed away due to related illnesses or complications. Additionally, those lucky enough to survive continue facing challenges associated with chronic diseases and healthcare costs.

Bayer’s failure and negligence impacted countless lives worldwide and serves as a reminder of the need for stringent safety standards when dealing with potentially hazardous substances like blood products. Companies should always value human life over profit margins; otherwise, such scenarios can become a global health crisis, as seen with Koate in the 1970s and 1980s.

On the 7th March 2023, Paymaster General Jeremy Quin met with a group of individuals who had been impacted by the infected blood scandal. This meeting was highly anticipated by those affected, as they were eager to hear what Mr. Quin had to say about the progress of work regarding the infected blood compensation framework. However, many were left disappointed after the meeting. In this video, we discuss what happened during the meeting and why some people felt let down by it.

The Infected Blood Inquiry is ending, and a second interim report on compensation from inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff is due to be published before Easter.

In this episode, Jason discusses the timing of the second interim report, the implications, and what lies further ahead for the campaign.

The Infected Blood Inquiry is coming to a close, with final submissions from interested parties beginning on January 17th. The inquiry was set up to investigate how contaminated blood products were allowed into the NHS, and led to thousands of people being infected with HIV and hepatitis C. 

In this episode, Jason looks at some of the closing written submissions submitted to the Inquiry ahead of next week's hearings. The department of health seems to be blaming hindsight bias and comparing the scandal to a maze.

Counsel to the Inquiry issues a note regarding parliamentary privilege, which could have significant ramifications for the Inquiry's final findings.

Statements about Infected Blood Compensation are made in both the House of Lords and House of Commons, with some surprising commitments from both Ministers. Jeremy Quin announces that Sue Gray is leading a cross-government group one compensation which will receive advice from Sir Robert Francis KC. Corrections are made to a parliament debate pack after an intervention from Factor 8, and Jason discusses pivotal moments for the contaminated blood campaign throughout 2022.

We catch up on the last two weeks of parliamentary drama over the government response (or lack of) to Sir Robert Francis KC's Infected Blood Compensation Study. A debate in November saw government minister Alex Burghart refusing to give insight on government timing, this resulted in MP's pressing the government for more information in the House of Commons. The big question now... Will there be a substantial response to the compensation study before Christmas?

Jonathan Van-Tam was the last witness as Inquiry evidence sessions came to a close. The Timetable for closing submission hearings in 2023 is published as Thursday's debate in Parliament draws near. Jason also discusses the film "Worth" starring Michael Keaton on Netflix.

Twice as many children were infected with HIV through blood products than previously thought. A note from the Inquiry reveals thinking around cryoprecipitate and life expectancy for people with haemophilia. Jason discussed Inquiry hearings, infected blood compensation framework and a debate secured in Westminster Hall this month.

Jason talks about his recent visit to parliament to take part in the launch of the Public Accountability APPG, which seeks to introduce what is now commonly known as a Hillsborough Law. A file of evidence concerning Dr Frank Hill and HIV is unlocked at the National Archives and funding to help Factor 8's campaign is obtained from the Terrence Higgins Trust.

A chronology examining the Hepatitis studies of Dr Craske in the 1970s looks set to paint a picture of consistent unethical and non-consensual experiments on haemophilia patients which last for over a decade. Jason reflects on this years Haemophilia remembrance service and discusses the latest developments relating to infected blood products compensation, including a debate application made in parliament by Dame Diana Johnson MP.

Boris, Rishi or Penny? All about how the next PM could impact on the contaminated blood scandal campaign. Plus, Jason talks about a recent revelation regarding interim compensation payments and the annual haemophilia remembrance service.