Factor 8’s Call: 15 Points for Infected Blood Registration
Factor 8 has developed and submitted 15 compelling arguments favouring the registration of persons with existing support schemes as recommended by the Infected Blood Inquiry’s second interim report. The focus of this isn't solely on the logistics but also on the profound human impact of such an initiative.
The importance of a transparent and efficient approach stands out as a paramount concern. With pre-registration, the government can swiftly action plans without getting bogged down in administrative mires once a decision has been reached. It embodies forward-thinking, ensuring that wheels can start turning without delay when the green light is given.
Yet, it's not just about the mechanics; it's about the people. Factor 8 emphasises the profound psychological relief pre-registration could bring countless families. Victims and their loved ones have been awaiting recognition and compensation for an eternity. Pre-registration isn't just a procedural step; it's a signal of hope, an assurance that steps towards resolution are genuinely underway.
One of the subtle yet crucial advantages of pre-registration is the data it provides. Accurate data collection is invaluable, offering insights into the potential scope of beneficiaries. This data will be a cornerstone for crafting a compensation system that's both fair and informed. This isn't just about numbers but about preparing the government to address the situation with both eyes open.
Of course, every case is unique. Early identification of more complex cases ensures that everyone, regardless of the intricacies of their situation, gets the attention and resolution they deserve. It's about fairness and equity.
Factor 8's appeal also touches on the prudence of early evidence preservation. Memories fade, and documents degrade. Over time, there's an escalating risk of losing critical evidence. Capturing this evidence during pre-registration ensures that claims can be verified with maximum accuracy when the time comes.
Risk mitigation, a term often confined to the corporate realm, takes on a profoundly personal meaning here. It's about understanding, preparing, and planning for the impending fiscal implications of the compensation system.
Public trust, always a fragile thing, hangs in the balance. Factor 8's emphasis on public opinion is more than just about perception. It's about showing victims, their families, and the broader public that the government is not passive but proactive, that it's not just words but concrete steps towards resolution.
Our 15 points in favour of pre-registration that have been sent to both the Cabinet Office and the Department for Health & Social Care are as follows:
Transparency and Efficiency: Pre-registration will enhance the transparency and efficiency of the process if the decision to proceed with the interim payments is made. It allows for a head start on the logistical elements, making it easier to distribute payments when the time comes. It's a measure of preparedness that signals the government's intent to act promptly.
Psychological Relief: The pre-registration process would provide psychological relief to families who have long-awaited recognition and compensation. It would give them a sense of progress and assurance they are being considered in the pending compensation scheme.
Data Collection: It allows the government to gather data and better understand the number of potential beneficiaries. This information can inform the final decisions about the compensation scheme.
Case Identification: Pre-registration allows for earlier identification and resolution of complex cases requiring additional time or resources. This ensures all are treated fairly and receive what they are due.
Evidence Preservation: As these cases often involve events which took place some time ago, there is an ongoing risk of evidence loss over time. Pre-registration would provide an opportunity to record and preserve relevant information from potential beneficiaries. This could be particularly valuable if the claimants' eligibility needs to be proven at a later stage.
Risk Mitigation: From a risk management perspective, pre-registration helps the government prepare for the scale of the required compensation and plan for it accordingly. By confirming the approximate number of beneficiaries in certain categories early, the government can better manage the fiscal impact of the compensation scheme.
Public Opinion: Pre-registration can positively impact public opinion. It demonstrates that the government is not just saying that it is stuck in a decision-making process but is actively working towards resolution.
Capacity Planning: By knowing the potential number of beneficiaries in advance, the existing support schemes can better plan their resource allocation. This includes staffing, infrastructure, and budget considerations, helping the scheme operate more smoothly when the time comes for payout distribution.
Procedural Refinement: Pre-registration allows trial and refinement of the registration process which could help avoid delays and confusion later.
Operational Readiness: It enables the existing support schemes to start reviewing the registration submissions and addressing any complications or discrepancies. This upfront work could expedite the overall process once the interim payment decision has been made.
Fraud Prevention: With pre-registration, there is more time to develop robust verification and detection systems, making it harder for illegitimate claims to slip through.
Relationship Building: It can foster better relationships between the support scheme and the beneficiaries. By initiating contact early and maintaining regular communication, the scheme can build trust and cooperation with those they will be assisting.
Data Integration: It enables the existing schemes to integrate the new data with their current systems, which could help in tracking, reporting, and overall management of the beneficiaries' information.
Database Creation: Whether or not interim payments are made, the process of pre-registration sets in train a future comprehensive database of affected individuals and families. This could be a valuable resource for other support mechanisms and potential future policy considerations related to the infected blood scandal. It ensures that these individuals remain visible and accessible for any future actions or schemes.
Continuity of Care and Support: Pre-registration provides an opportunity to connect with affected individuals and their families, offering them resources, support, or services that may be available beyond the proposed interim payments. This fosters a sense of being seen and supported by the government, which can significantly contribute to their well-being and the public's trust in the government's handling of the situation, regardless of the final decision on interim payments.
