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 Safety Commissioner for England, said:
“I welcome the Secretary of State’s clear commitment to making progress on financial redress for patients harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. Many families have waited far too long, and I look forward to continued collaboration with ministers to ensure a swift and meaningful response from Government to the Hughes Report.”
The Commissioner will keep pressing for timely clarity and will continue to update patients and families as this work develops.
Read the full letter to Wes Streeting here.
Read the full response to the Patient Safety Commissioner here.