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£3.4m for Thalidomide survivors
26/02/2010
The Scottish Government has pledged £3.4 million over three years to help Thalidomide survivors in Scotland meet increasing costs as they get older.
The money will help the 55 known thalidomide survivors in Scotland - many of whom are now in their fifties - and their carers to make adaptations in their homes and purchase specialist equipment to enable them to continue living as independently as possible.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"After discussions with the Thalidomide Trust, the Scottish Government have committed £3.4 million to assist the survivors of Thalidomide.
"Half a century later, the survivors of Thalidomide are still battling against the disabilities the prescribing of the drug caused.
"Now, as they become older, they are likely to need a range of assistance and adaptation to enable them to continue to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible and this funding will help them to do that."
Liz Buckle, a Thalidomide survivor who lives on the Isle of Lismore, Argyll said:
"As a Scottish Thalidomider, I very much welcome the positive response from our Government, they have acted with integrity. I look forward to working together with the Scottish Government to the benefit of Thalidomiders and others"
Nick Dobrik, Deputy Chairman of the Thalidomide Trust's National Advisory Council said:
"In our meeting Nicola Sturgeon showed understanding and compassion to our problems."