It is one year since I published the Hughes Report on the options for redress for those harmed by pelvic mesh and valproate.
When I launched the report in Parliament on 7th February 2024, I never imagined that a year later I would still be waiting for a full response from the Government. I know that many of those who have been harmed, and their representatives, are deeply disappointed that there has been no announcement yet on financial redress.
Understandably, patients have been anxious for an update following the General Election. The Minister for Patient Safety Baroness Merron pledged in a letter to me in August 2024 that she would look at this issue and would update on progress at the earliest opportunity. I welcome that the ongoing work to produce a detailed response to the Hughes Report is continuing under this new government.
The most important thing is to listen to the views of patients. The only way to understand the devastating experience of harm is to hear from patients directly. I am pleased that two round tables were held recently bringing together patient campaigners and the minister, as hearing the real lived experience is so impactful. But this must not be the cause of further delay because this compounds the harm that these patients have already experienced.
Patients and families are suffering right now, and whilst the Government reviews my recommendations, it does not put their problems on hold. Patients are in pain, need equipment and the delay is having a corrosive effect on wellbeing as they are being asked to recount their experiences again and again.
Some positive changes have happened since the Hughes Report was released, focussing on non-financial redress. The Fetal Exposure to Medicines (FEMS) pilot for children and adults in the north of England has been established in response to a recommendation in the First Do No Harm report. This highlighted the need for a specialist service to provide an expert assessment and care advice for those affected by medicines during pregnancy.
This is a great achievement and will help many patients. However, we must go further and see similar services opened for patients and families across the country.
Significantly we have seen a reduction in the prescribing of valproate during pregnancy following my recommendation to NHS England to introduce a quality improvement programme. This will reduce the risk of future harm.
Meanwhile I continue to offer my support to all government departments in their ongoing work to make progress on my recommendations. I expect a full response to be provided to patients at the earliest possible opportunity. The patients and families have waited long enough and I urge the Government to prioritise their needs.