HAEMOPHILIACS in Plymouth were today waiting for the result of a public inquiry into how blood products were contaminated, leading to many catching deadly diseases.

Lord Archer of Sandwell is due to give his judgment on how nearly 5,000 people were exposed to Hepatitis C during their NHS treatment in the late 1970s and early 80s. More than 1,200 patients were additionally infected with HIV.

The independent inquiry heard that nearly 2,000 haemophilia patients had died since being infected.

Plymouth pensioner Ron Venton, 69, one of the oldest haemophiliacs in the country, believes he contracted Hepatitis C from contaminated blood in 1988, and was diagnosed with the infection in 1992.

He has since encountered major problems with his liver, which is severely damaged, and he has to receive treatment at Derriford Hospital at least three times a week.

His medical notes were submitted to the inquiry.

Mr Venton said: "Being infected with hepatitis has ruined my life. I hope that haemophiliacs will get the compensation they richly deserve."

Mr Venton, from Devonport, has received a £20,000 ex-gratia payment like all haemophiliacs.

But he is hoping that today's findings will pave the way for a court case, leading to further compensation or forcing the manufacturers to settle out of court.

He added: "The court case has been on hold pending this inquiry. I don't know how you can put a figure on how much we have suffered."

For details of the inquiry findings, and reaction, see tomorrow's Herald.

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