Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of appointing a (a) senior team and (b) tsar to support people affected by sodium valproate.

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.