Blood transfusion fears

BAFF gave a balanced reaction to media reports on 10 January 2008 that a small number of British troops were undergoing medical checks after it emerged they had received emergency life-saving blood transfusions which had not received the normal retrospective testing after being donated during military operations.

 The Ministry of Defence had stated that all of the UK Service personnel who might be affected had been contacted and informed of the need to re-test their blood, had been offered the necessary tests, and were being given support and advice. However, any other member of the Forces who was concerned about a blood transfusion they received on deployed operations should contact their own doctor or medical officer.

A BAFF spokesman said in a BBC radio interview that it was not thought that any BAFF members who had received emergency treatment in operational theatres were among the small number of personnel involved. He mentioned possible legal issues, and urged any members who did have concerns to contact the Federation.

This note is from the website of Russell, Jones & Walker Solicitors (who are BAFF's legal advisers):

Potential blood transfusion claims for British soldiers