The NHS must learn lessons after it emerged a baby was infected with HIV at Ninewells during a botched blood transfusion, according to Labour’s health spokeswoman.
Dundee-based MSP Jenny Marra said victims “continue to suffer the consequences” of being given contaminated blood in the “dreadful episode”.
Her comments came after an inquiry revealed three people from Dundee and another in Fife were among the victims of the botched transfusions.
A victim referred to as Luke, whose life was ruined by contracting the disease, was one of the three Dundee cases cited in the Penrose Inquiry, published on Wednesday.
He was born by caesarean section at Ninewells in the mid-1980s but was given a blood transfusion after suffering medical complications.
His health improved and he was discharged but some months later GPs told his devastated mother, referred to as Amy, that he had contracted the virus.
His “upset and anxious” parents, who had to use gloves to handle him to avoid the danger of secondary infection, took him to regular appointments at the hospital.
Amy was so distressed by Luke’s condition that at one point she considered taking her own life.
Luke was informed of his condition aged 13. He does not have a job and has never had a girlfriend because he would have to tell her about his condition.
Ms Marra told The Courier: “Our thoughts are with the victims who continue to suffer the consequences and the families of those who lost their lives as a result of receiving contaminated blood. Sadly, some of those impacted live in our community and have suffered terrible setbacks as result of these mistakes.
“We know blood transfusions save many lives every day and I hope that this inquiry will help us learn how to deal with any future risks from treatments associated with blood products.
“We welcome the pledge by the First Minister to review the support for the victims and look forward to hearing more from the Scottish Government.
“We also hope that the new and improved treatments which are being developed for hepatitis C will be made available for the victims of this dreadful episode.”
Nicola Sturgeon issued an unreserved apology during First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood on Thursday.
She said: “As First Minister of Scotland, and on behalf of the Government of Scotland and the NHS, I want to take this opportunity to say a very sincere and heartfelt sorry to everyone who has had to deal with the devastating impact of infected NHS blood and blood products.
“I can’t begin to understand the difficulties and the many hardships that individuals and their families have had to contend with.
“It is important that we apologise to them openly and without reservation.”