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Sodium Valproate and Surgical Mesh Implants: Surrey

Answer

Our sympathies remain with those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh.

There are nine specialist mesh centres across England, to ensure that women in every region with complications of mesh inserted for urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse get the right support. Each mesh centre is led by a multi-disciplinary team to ensure patients get access to the specialist care and treatment that they need, including pain management and psychological support. In the South East region, the mesh centre is located at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust; however patients can ask to be referred to any of the nine mesh centres.

Significant action has been taken to strengthen oversight of valproate prescribing. Valproate must now not be started in new patients, male or female, younger than 55 years old unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective or tolerated treatment, or there are compelling reasons that the reproductive risks do not apply.

The Government is carefully considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report. The report sets out options for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. The Government will be providing an update to the Patient Safety Commissioner’s Report at the earliest opportunity.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

31717

Session

2024-26

Subjects

Health services Surrey Sodium valproate Surgical mesh implants

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk