Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she plans to meet with (a) patient groups and (b) campaigners representing people affected by sodium valproate harm in pregnancy.

The Government commissioned the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC) to produce a report on redress for those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. As part of this work the Government asked the PSC to seek views from those affected about what redress would be appropriate. The PSC has engaged with patients and patient groups in preparing her report.

We are grateful to the PSC and her team for completing this report and our sympathies remain with those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. The Government is now carefully considering the PSC’s recommendations and will respond substantively in due course.