The Wales Infected Blood Support Scheme (WIBSS) will consider a range of applications for support for those who are infected or affected by Hepatitis C or HIV, or both, as a result of infected NHS blood or blood products.
While we will hopefully be able to approve the majority of applications, if your application is refused, you can appeal against WIBSS’ decision and it will be reconsidered.
An appeal may be considered if you feel our decision on the application was not justified based on the evidence you provided.
We can not consider an appeal where you disagree with the eligibility criteria for WIBSS, as the eligible criteria is set by Welsh Government.
If an appeal is unsuccessful, you cannot submit a second appeal in relation to the same application.
You cannot appeal against a decision regarding a discretionary grant application. However, if you feel that information was missed on your application or the decision was unfair, you can call WIBSS to discuss it and you can ask for the decision to be reviewed by a senior member of staff independent of the original decision.
If you wish to appeal the decision you should provide a letter or email within 3 months from the date on the decision letter received, stating why you wish to appeal the decision. Appeal received after this timeframe may still be considered in exceptional circumstances.
The letter or email should include:
- Reasons for why you disagree with the decision, try to include as much information as possible.
- If possible, include more evidence that covers these points.
- Try to include medical evidence that you previously did not provide.
You do not have to provide any additional information, but if there is any additional information or evidence which you feel is relevant to your case, then you should provide it.
Please send appeal letters either by email to WIBSS@wales.nhs.uk
Or via post to:
WIBSS, Companies House, 4th Floor, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UB
You do not have to attend, but if you would like to provide evidence in person then you can. Please let us know if you would like to do this. Please also let us know any particular requirements, such as mobility issues, hearing impairments etc to ensure we can make suitable arrangements.
If you wish, you can also bring one person with you to the panel’s meeting. This could be either a family member, a friend, a carer or a support worker. It cannot be a lawyer appointed to act on behalf of the applicant.
At the panel’s meeting, you will get an opportunity to make a statement if you wish and the panel members may also ask you some questions. If you have difficulties with communicating then, if you prefer, you can ask the person you bring with you to speak on your behalf if they know you well and understand the details of your application.
We understand that this can be a stressful and emotive experience for those affected – applicants will always be treated with sensitivity and courtesy by the panel, with the atmosphere as informal as possible.