Kerry McCarthy, Labour's Bristol East MP plays with the sick and dying (Bristol East Liberal Democrats)

Bristol East Liberal Democrats <info@bristoleastlibdems.org.uk>

Kerry McCarthy, Labour's Bristol East MP plays with the sick and dying

April 24, 2010 4:26 PM

Blood Tests Kerry McCarthy caused a delay in the Bill that called for improvements for patients contaminated with bad blood when undergoing NHS treatment. The Haemophilia Society and the Tainted Blood group have adopted a name and shame approach to those it believes are delaying progress on the reforms, and Kerry McCarthy has been named and shamed.

Mike Popham, Lib Dem prospective MP for Bristol East said "Excusing herself by saying that the process she triggered 'was a procedural and technical one' has been shown to have been not true because since then it has been rejected again. On 5th March 2010 in the House of Commons Lord Morris of Manchester's contaminated blood Bill was rejected for a third time despite wide MP, press and public support. This Bill seeks to put into legislation the proposals made in Lord Archer of Sandwell's enquiry into Haemophiliacs infected with contaminated blood supplies from the NHS.

Campaigners are outraged that yet again the Government has put the brakes on such an important issue to so many individuals and families affected by what is the worst disaster in the history of the NHS.

Stephen Martin-Hanley said "The Bill being passed would mean the end of long term suffering and poverty to many long term very sick people infected with HIV, HEPITITIS C and in some cases both."

Mike Popham added "It is a travesty that in 2010 contaminated blood remains an issue. After so long and with so much money spent, the UK is still not self-sufficient with blood products. We cannot blame non-UK suppliers and simply leave patients here at the mercy of 'quality controls not fit for purpose'. This Labour Government and the previous Tory Government have failed to take responsibility for the suitability of blood supplies administered by the NHS. The NHS should assure itself of its fitness for use, before use."