A FORMER Treloar’s pupil who contracted HIV and hepatitis C through haemophilia treatment at the NHS clinic on the site is considering suing the school for negligence.

Following new evidence at the Infected Blood Inquiry, Collins Solicitors has sent a letter on behalf of Gary Webster to the chair of governors warning court proceedings may be brought against Treloar’s. The school or its lawyer has three weeks to respond.

Collins Solicitors is also talking to other former Treloar’s pupils about a potential group action. The firm represents 1,500 victims and family members affected by the scandal, more than 40 of whom are former Treloar’s pupils or their dependants.

Mr Webster, 56, claims he suffered loss and damage as a result of negligence and breach of duty in the treatment he received at Treloar’s for haemophilia in the 1970s and 1980s, causing him to be infected with HIV and hepatitis C.

In June the Infected Blood Inquiry heard testimony from Mr Webster and other haemophiliac former Treloar’s boarders who were treated with Factor VIII blood clotting concentrate to prevent bleeding without parental consent or advice on the risks.

The Factor VIII used was created from blood plasma taken from up to 60,000 donors which was not heat treated to reduce the risk of contamination from viruses such as HIV and hepatitis.

Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors, said: “We recognise Treloar’s does great work with disabled pupils today and that some former pupils have fond memories of the time they spent at the school they regarded as home for much of their childhood.

“However, the fact remains that in the past the school as a collective body ruined the lives of a substantial cohort of haemophilia sufferers. Sadly, many are no longer with us to be able to evidence the appalling negligence and abrogation of responsibility that took place.

“No amount of money can ever make up for a life spent on borrowed time, enduring disease that was preventable and the associated social stigma, but recompense might go some way towards easing my client’s daily struggle and provide recognition of the injury he is so deservedly owed.”

A Treloar’s spokesperson said: “Due to the potential of a formal legal claim, it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time.”