The Caxton Foundation

A new discretionary payment will shortly be available to people who were infected with hepatitis C before September 1991 as a result of NHS treatment by blood transfusions or blood products, and who may need financial assistance.

These new payments will be made by the Caxton Foundation, a new charitable organisation established specially for the purpose, and are part of a package of improved support announced by the Secretary of State for Health in January 2011 - http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Features/DH_123381

Claims may be made for discretionary payments in addition to any non-discretionary payments received from the Skipton Fund.

If you or your colleagues know of patients who were infected with hepatitis C by NHS supplied blood or blood products before September 1991, it would be very helpful if they could bring this improved support to their attention or, in the case of deceased patients, to the attention of their families.

Attached is a short question and answer briefing paper produced by the Caxton Foundation which you may wish to give to relevant patients. The Caxton Foundation's website, which is under development, is at http://www.caxtonfoundation.org.uk

The Department of Health will be including information about these new discretionary payments in its NHS e-bulletins to medical directors and GPs, on its website and on NHS Choices in the near future.

Gerry Robb
Blood-borne Viruses and Tuberculosis
Infectious Diseases and Blood Policy
Department of Health
Room 531 Wellington House
133-155 Waterloo Road
London SE1 8UG

Tel: 020-7972-4430 (GTN 396-24430)
E-mail: gerry.robb@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.dh.gov.uk