The Patient Safety Commissioner, Prof Henrietta Hughes, has written to No.10 to request further information in relation to the Hughes Report exercising her statutory powers under the Medicines and Medical Devices Act for the second time since her appointment. The deadline for a response to her request is 16 July.   Specifically, Prof Hughes has asked for information on:  Internal and cross-government discussions held in relation to the Hughes Report, including ministerial and official-level meetings, engagement and correspondence.   Actions taken beyond DHSC in response to her recommendations, over and above the information previously provided including policy decisions and considerations of feasibility and cost.   Future plans and – crucially – clarity on outstanding actions in order for Ministers to make a decision on redress and the timetable for a full response to her recommendations, as well as details of relevant planned work.   The Commissioner said: “Nearly two and…

The Patient Safety Commissioner has continued to seek clarity from the Department of Health and Social Care on financial redress for the thousands of patients harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. On 2 March 2026, the Commissioner wrote to the Secretary of State requesting an update on timelines for a compensation scheme and highlighting the need for interim support for families facing acute financial hardship.  In his response of 31 March 2026, the Secretary of State reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving clinical support, strengthening research, and progressing a decision for financial redress within this Parliament. Professor Henrietta Hughes, Patient…