AQW 25665/22-27
Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast
Tabled Date: 04/04/2025
Answered On Date: 23/04/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he has had any engagement with his counterparts in the UK Government in relation to a redress scheme for those injured by vaginal mesh.
Answer:
The Patient Safety Commissioner for England, Dr Henrietta Hughes, made recommendations on redress for those who were harmed by both Pelvic Mesh implants and the medicine Sodium Valproate in the “Hughes Report”, which was published on 07 February 2024. Whilst Dr Hughes’ remit was specifically for England, it is acknowledged that patients from across the UK have been affected by these issues. The three Devolved Administrations are awaiting consideration and assessment from the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC), however the UK Government has not yet formally responded to the Hughes Report and a UK Government decision on redress has not yet been taken. I wrote to Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Patient Safety, Women’s Health & Mental Health at DHSC, requesting an update on the consideration of the Hughes Report recommendations and have sought assurances that consultation with the Devolved Administrations will take place in a timely manner and in advance of any UK Government decisions. Baroness Merron has informed me that the UK Government is carefully considering the report before coming to a decision. She recognises that any response by the UK Government is likely to have implications for the Devolved Administrations and is keen to work closely with officials across the UK in considering the report’s recommendations. She has provided assurance that my officials and I will be engaged in a timely manner and in advance of any UK Government Response. The approach to redress for those who have been harmed by both Pelvic Mesh and Sodium Valproate in Northern Ireland will be informed by the UK Government position, which is not yet determined.
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