Thalidomide victims ask for Department of Health grant to be extended indefinitely

Posted 10/05/2012

Over 450 men and women in the UK suffer ongoing injuries and care needs as a result of birth defects caused by Thalidomide. As a result, the Thalidomide Trust has asked for an extension of Department of Health grant due to end next year.Thalidomide was used by pregnant women as a cure for morning sickness in the 1950s and 1960s. It was withdrawn in 1961, by which time more than 10,000 babies worldwide had been born with a range of disabilities caused by the drug. Birth defects included deformed arms and legs, blindness, deafness, heart problems and brain damage. This has caused shortened life expectancies in many cases.Thalidomide survivors now in their 50s are experiencing increased care needs which they are unable to fund. The Trust has struggled throughout the years to acquire funds for Thalidomide victims. A three year grant was obtained in 2010, but this initial grant has mostly been spent by survivors adapting their houses and funding personal care.Sophie Bales, a medical injury solicitor at Ashtons Legal comments: “Thalidomide survivors are now in their 50s and need to know that their care needs are provided for. It is right that measures should be in place to fund any care and adaptations they may need in the future through no fault of their own. It is positive that the Government is working with the Trust to consider the best way forward regarding the future of the grant”.