A LANDMARK Government decision to increase compensation payments to children disabled by medical vaccinations has given renewed hope to a North-East pressure group.

Middlesbrough-based Group Action into Steroid Prescribing (Gasp) believes a decision to give greater recognition to victims of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine sets a precedent for wider investigation into patients affected by prescribed drugs.

The families of hundreds of children affected by the MMR vaccine were awarded an extra £60m compensation by Social Security Secretary Alistair Darling, a fortnight ago.

Gasp has campaigned for many years for compensation to be paid to hundreds of members who believe over-prescription of steroids has wrecked their lives.

A spokeswoman said: "The Government is prepared to accept certain medicines have ruined the lives of people they were supposed to protect.

"We believe this sets a precedent for all patients who have been adversely affected by medication, especially prescription medication.

"Ministers must recognise the horrific effects steroids has had on our members and act to stop this happening to others."

As reported in The Northern Echo last Friday, one member, Ernie Gordon, has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair calling for an independent select committee to be set up to investigate the drug, which he claims left him a housebound recluse with osteoporosis, nervousness and mood swings.

He said: "I despair at times that our case will never be considered by the Government but we live in hope that one day all will be revealed and that compensation will be awarded to victims, many of whom are much worse off than me.

"We will continue to fight, no matter what."

The Department of Health denied a precedent had been set by the Government with the compensation payments.

A spokesperson said: "The Department of Social Security agreed to compensation for people damaged by vaccines because it was part of a Government public health initiative.

"With prescription medicines it is a different case, because you have different doctors prescribing medication in different levels and for different reasons."