The Lindsay Tribunal heard evidence today from a haemophiliac who contracted HIV and Hepatitis C after an unnecessary operation. The tribunal also heard evidence from a man whose son died two years ago from an AIDS-related illness. The man was diagnosed HIV positive after he was given contaminated blood products.
One man, using the pseudonym Vincent, told of how he was diagnosed as HIV positive following an operation to remove his appendix. It emerged that the operation was unnecessary, but Vincent received contaminated products which led to his infection. Vincent explained how he regretted telling his mother about his illness. He said that "it broke her heart" and she died a young woman.
The tribunal also heard from a man known as Albert, who after a visit to St. James's Hospital in 1999, was told he had contracted Hepatitis C. However, it emerged that the diagnosis had actually been made six years before that, but Albert had never been told.
Joe Healy, from Cork City also gave evidence today about his son Gerard who died two years ago from an AIDS related illness. Gerard, who was married with three children, was a haemophiliac and was diagnosed HIV positive in 1985 after he had received contaminated blood products. Mr. Healy told of his family's difficulties getting respite care in Cork as certain hospitals would not admit Gerard because of his illness.
