A Watford-based solicitors, which is representing more than 1,500 people affected by the contaminated blood scandal, has welcomed news victims are set to be compensated by the Government.

A framework is being drawn up by ministers to award billions of pounds to victims of what many consider to be the worst treatment disaster in NHS history.

As many as 30,000 people from across the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after receiving contaminated blood products through the NHS during the 1970s and 80s.

The Government is expected to set up an independent review to examine proposals for a compensation scheme.

Chairman of the Haemophilia Society, Clive Smith, told The Sunday Times: "Setting up a compensation framework is the closest any UK government has ever come to admitting liability for the contaminated blood scandal, and the significance of this moment for our community cannot be overstated.

Watford Observer: Des CollinsDes Collins

"We hope this is the start of a process which will finally acknowledge the unimaginable pain, suffering and loss of thousands of families whose lives have been torn apart by this appalling NHS treatment disaster."

Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors, said: "We welcome news that the Government is finally engaging with the issue of compensation for the many thousands of families affected by infected blood.

"This is clearly long overdue but we stand ready to work with any review considering how to pay proper and meaningful compensation to our clients.

"We urge the Government to follow-through swiftly now on confirming what is planned.

"A lot of work has already been done to evidence what people have suffered and the losses they have endured as a result of the infected blood scandal.

"We just need decision makers to finally grapple with the issues and for the Government to recognise its accountability."