The widow of a haemophiliac who died from HIV told the tribunal yesterday how they were "sent out" from hospital after her husband tested positive for the virus without any advice or assistance.
The woman, using the pseudonym "Siobhan", described how her husband, Donal, was tested for HIV in February 1986 and was initially told he was negative. They were "thrilled", she said, as she was pregnant with their son at the time.
"Then, a few weeks later [Donal] was called back and told there was a mix-up and he was actually positive." Asked what information they received about transmission risks, she replied: "Absolutely none."
Donal also contracted hepatitis C which, said Siobhan, caused him to become very depressed and frustrated. His condition deteriorated in July 1992 and he had to give up work.
Two years later he went into hospital for tests after developing a chest infection. He was told by a doctor his results were perfect but the following Wednesday, said Siobhan, Donal's sister was visiting Prof Ian Temperley, the head of haemophilia treatment services, and was told "You realise that if he makes the weekend he will be very lucky".
Donal was admitted to hospital for several weeks but Siobhan took him home to die. Tragedy struck the couple around the same time when their son died in an accident. an said Donal blamed himself for the death as he believed if he hadn't been in hospital he would have been out playing with his son.
The couple had a second child, who was born four years after their son, and if it was not for her, said Siobhan, "I would be in a cemetery as well".