THE children of a 42 year old woman infected by Anti D immunoglobulin blood product were ostracised by their friends, the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal has been told.
The woman, a mother of nine from south west Dublin infected after the birth of a child in 1977, was yesterday awarded £55,000 by the tribunal, which heard she is currently virus free but suffers continually from fatigue, a complaint common to many women who were infected.
"She was very happy with the award," said Ms Anne Marie McCrystal, of solicitors Lavelle and Coleman who dealt with the claim.
Ms McCrystal said the company's client wished to maintain the anonymity afforded her by the tribunal. She was one of 1,100 mothers with the blood type Rh Negative who received the Anti D treatment following pregnancies.
The tribunal heard the woman began feeling particularly tired following the birth in 1977, and the blood product continued to be administered in ensuing years.
When it had become known she was a victim of Anti D, her children had been ostracised by their friends. News of the infection had caused social problems for all of the family, mainly through lack of information among neighbours.
Ms McCrystal confirmed that each claimant is given four weeks following their award to decide on whether or not to accept it. They may choose to reject the offer and seek a higher award in the High Court. If they accept the award, they cannot take the case to the High Court.
"So far, everyone has been happy with their awards. We have not had any instances of plaintiffs refusing an award " Ms McCrystal said.
Two other claims before the tribunal yesterday were adjourned.