Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to accelerate the delivery of compensation to people impacted by pelvic mesh and valproate; and if he will set out a timetable for that financial redress.

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