A woman infected with the Hepatitis C virus from a contaminated clotting agent has received an apology from the Blood Transfusion Service in the High Court.
Eleanor Healy from Dublin is pursuing the Blood Bank for damages, including aggravated or exemplary damages, because it manufactured anti-d, which was infectious.
Ms Healy opted to take this case through the courts rather than take a claim to the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal. The married 51-year-old received an injection of infectious anti-d in 1977. She was emotionally damaged by her diagnosis and equated Hepatitis C with HIV in terms of stigma. Her son also became infected with the virus in 1990.
Counsel for Ms Healy told the Court that the Board's actions were "wanton, oppressive and grossly reckless". He claimed that the infection was completely avoidable.
Counsel for the Blood Bank apologised unreservedly to Ms Healy for the injury she had suffered due to the fault of the BTSB. He said that his client wanted to do everything possible to minimise her worry and stress. He said however it would challenge her claim to aggravated or exemplary damages.
