The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

The Government is carefully considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC), Professor Henrietta Hughes, including her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh.

The Government has been clear that there must be meaningful progress on this matter during this Parliament, although a decision to provide compensation has not yet been made. We recognise how difficult this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed on this important work.

As you may be aware, the Department has been in contact with the PSC with regard to the ongoing health initiatives that the Department is taking forward in conjunction with NHS England, regarding sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. Details of the Government’s work to date are set out in recent letters to Professor Hughes, which are published on the PSC website, at the following link:

www.patientsafetycommissioner.org.uk

The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

The Government is carefully considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC), Professor Henrietta Hughes, including her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. The Government has been clear that there must be meaningful progress on this matter during this Parliament. We recognise how difficult this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed on this important work.

As you may be aware, the Department has been in contact with the PSC with regard to the ongoing health initiatives regarding sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. Details of the Government’s work to date are set out in recent letters to Professor Hughes, which are published on the PSC website, at the following link:

www.patientsafetycommissioner.org.uk

The Patient Safety Commissioner wrote to the Prime Minister on 16 June, requesting information regarding internal and cross-Government discussions in relation to the Hughes Report, actions that have been taken beyond the Department, and the future plans regarding the implementation of its recommendations and a timetable for a full response.

The Department will provide any information required to support a timely response.

The Patient Safety Commissioner wrote to the Prime Minister on 16 June, requesting information regarding internal and cross-Government discussions in relation to the Hughes Report, actions that have been taken beyond the Department, and the future plans regarding the implementation of its recommendations and a timetable for a full response.

The Department will provide any information required to support a timely response.

The Patient Safety Commissioner wrote to the Prime Minister on 16 June, requesting information regarding internal and cross-Government discussions in relation to the Hughes Report, actions that have been taken beyond the Department, and the future plans regarding the implementation of its recommendations and a timetable for a full response.

The Department will provide any information required to support a timely response.

The Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC) wrote to the Prime Minister on 16 June, requesting information regarding internal and cross-Government discussions in relation to the Hughes Report, actions that have been taken beyond the Department, the future plans regarding the implementation of its recommendations, and a timetable for a full response.

The Department will provide any information required to support a timely response.

The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

We are still in the process of considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those that have been affected. This work takes time and we will respond once this work is complete.

The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

We are still in the process of considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those that have been affected. We will respond once this work is complete. However, we have introduced several initiatives, in conjunction with NHS England, to address the immediate needs of the affected cohort.

In relation to pelvic mesh, a national pause was introduced in 2018 on the use of vaginally inserted mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse, and of mesh slings to treat stress urinary incontinence, which remains in place. In 2021, we established several mesh centres as regional, multidisciplinary specialist services to treat complications from pelvic mesh surgeries. NHS England completed an internal audit of the mesh centres across England in 2026. The audit showed the value and impact of the service delivered by the mesh centres, with almost 3000 patients now seen in the services since their introduction, equating to 700 per year.

With regard to sodium valproate, since 2018, the number of females prescribed sodium valproate aged 0-54 has almost halved. However, NHS England continues to monitor and work to lower the number of patients exposed to sodium valproate in utero, and there remains a cohort of patients with distinct and varied care needs to whom the health system must provide the best possible care. The pilot has so far seen 80 patients, representing 560 appointments and 650 clinical hours. This translates to real human impact, with patients already feeding back on the value that being seen by clinical experts and wider multi-disciplinary team services has had on their quality of life.

The Government has been clear that there must be meaningful progress during this Parliament. We recognise how difficult this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed on this important work. Ongoing health initiatives led by the Department and future plans are set out in recent letters to the Patient Safety Commissioner, which are published on her website.

The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

We are still in the process of considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those that have been affected. We will respond once this work is complete. However, we have introduced several initiatives, in conjunction with NHS England, to address the immediate needs of the affected cohort.

In relation to pelvic mesh, a national pause was introduced in 2018 on the use of vaginally inserted mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse, and of mesh slings to treat stress urinary incontinence, which remains in place. In 2021, we established several mesh centres as regional, multidisciplinary specialist services to treat complications from pelvic mesh surgeries. NHS England completed an internal audit of the mesh centres across England in 2026. The audit showed the value and impact of the service delivered by the mesh centres, with almost 3000 patients now seen in the services since their introduction, equating to 700 per year.

With regard to sodium valproate, since 2018, the number of females prescribed sodium valproate aged between zero and 54 years old has almost halved. However, NHS England continues to monitor and work to lower the number of patients exposed to sodium valproate in utero, and there remains a cohort of patients with distinct and varied care needs to whom the health system must provide the best possible care. The pilot has so far seen 80 patients, representing 560 appointments and 650 clinical hours. This translates to real human impact, with patients already feeding back on the value that being seen by clinical experts and wider multi-disciplinary team services has had on their quality of life.

The Government has been clear that there must be meaningful progress during this Parliament. We recognise how difficult this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed on this important work. Ongoing health initiatives led by the Department and future plans are set out in recent letters to the Patient Safety Commissioner, which are published on her website.

We absolutely recognise the harm and huge impact that pelvic mesh has had on so many lives. The hon. Lady will be aware that the Minister for Public Health has been a dedicated campaigner on this very issue. I want to see a full response to the recommendations published as quickly as possible, and I will make sure that the Minister keeps her updated on its progress.

Q8

.

Sarah Green (Chesham and Amersham) (LD):

Yesterday, at an event here in Parliament, I spoke to women whose children suffered avoidable harm after they continued taking the epilepsy drug sodium valproate during pregnancy. Doctors knew the risks and patients were not informed, and that has had devastating consequences. I am sure that the Prime Minister would agree that the fact that a Government Department commissioned a report looking at how to provide a redress scheme raised an expectation that one was on the horizon. To then not introduce such a scheme would be unbelievably cruel. When will this Government respond to the Hughes report and finally establish a redress scheme for the families?

The Department does not at present intend to appoint a senior team or a tsar in relation to those affected by sodium valproate.

NHS England has commissioned the Fetal Exposure to Medicines Services Pilot, being delivered by the National Health Service in Newcastle and Manchester. The pilot provides multidisciplinary diagnostic assessment and is informing the development of improved care pathways, better coordination of care, and reduced reliance on emergency care. Findings from the pilot will inform future decisions on the commissioning of services, subject to funding.

The Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC), Dr Henrietta Hughes was also appointed in September 2022 by the Department to be the leading advocate for patients and drive forward improvements in the safety of medicines and medical devices, including sodium valproate and pelvic mesh.

The Government is considering the work done by the PSC 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.

The Government has been clear that there must be meaningful progress on redress. We recognise how difficult this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed on the progress of this important work.

My predecessor met with the PSC in December 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, and future plans, are set out in recent letters to the Dr Hughes, which are published on her website.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

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.

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, including options for interim payments.

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 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.