More than two years after the Hughes Report was published, the Government has yet to provide a clear timeline for implementing a compensation scheme for the thousands of patients harmed by pelvic mesh and valproate.
Professor Hughes has described the delay as unacceptable, given the severity and scale of harm involved, and has written directly to Number 10 seeking a timetable for action.
In a letter to the Prime Minister on 3 March, Professor Hughes said:
“Patients and families affected have experienced prolonged, avoidable harm to their physical and mental health as a result of systemic failures and a breakdown in informed consent.
“Whilst progress on non-financial aspects of redress is welcome, acknowledgement without action does not provide justice. Patients’ lives do not stand still while departments debate jurisdiction and process. The continued absence of a clear timetable for financial compensation compounds the harm already suffered.
“As the authority to deliver financial compensation rests with HM Treasury and Number 10, decisive leadership from the centre of Government is now essential. The Hughes Report recommended both interim and main financial redress schemes that are straightforward, non-adversarial, based on an assumption of truth, and administered by an independent body trusted by patients. These proposals provide a credible and compassionate route forward.
“I urge you to ensure that a clear timetable is set and that financial redress is delivered without further delay.”
Read the full letter here.