Brendan West, a former British soldier, contracted Hepatitis C from a contaminated blood transfusion in 1979, leading to significant health complications and liver damage. His disclosure comes amidst the broader contaminated blood scandal affecting many individuals, as the government takes steps towards justice and compensation.
Brendan West, a former British soldier, disclosed that he contracted Hepatitis C from a contaminated blood transfusion received in 1979 after a severe injury. West lost his leg following a hit-and-run accident while stationed at a British military base in Germany. He underwent initial treatment in Belgium before being transferred to a British military hospital in Germany, where he received multiple blood transfusions during necessary amputation surgery due to worsening conditions of his leg.
West, now 63, became aware of his Hepatitis C infection only years later when he was denied the opportunity to donate blood during the COVID-19 lockdown. Further medical investigations traced his infection back to the transfusions he received over four decades earlier. The delayed diagnosis resulted in significant liver damage and ongoing health complications, including a risk of liver cancer and potential life-threatening bleeding from esophageal varices.
He expressed disappointment with government responses over the years regarding the broader contaminated blood scandal, which has affected many other individuals. Despite ongoing health struggles and his dissatisfaction with governmental actions, West chose to share his story publicly ahead of the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry expected on May 20, 2024.
The government has acknowledged the tragedy and is taking steps towards justice, including amendments to relevant legislation to facilitate compensation for those affected.
