Skip to main content

Written question asked by Caroline Johnson (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Sodium Valproate and Surgical Mesh Implants: Compensation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to respond to the Hughes report before prorogation.

Answer

The Government is carefully considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh.

The Government has deep sympathy for all those affected and recognises the profound impact that these harms have had on individuals and their families.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has been clear that he wants to make meaningful progress during this Parliament, although a decision to provide compensation has not yet been made. We recognise how difficult and disappointing this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed as soon as any decision on redress is made.

I met with the Patient Safety Commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes since I have been in post, and had a very productive discussion about the ongoing health initiatives led by the Department regarding sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. Details of the Government’s work to date are set out in recent letters to the Dr Hughes, which are published on her website.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
127842
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Compensation Sodium valproate Surgical mesh implants
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk