Campaigners demand urgent action from Government on financial redress
A year has passed since the publication of the Hughes Report by the Patient Safety Commissioner, which highlighted the devastating impact of surgical mesh and sodium valproate on thousands of women.
Yet, despite the report’s findings and recommendations, the Government has failed to act on calls for financial redress.
Campaigners from Sling The Mesh are demanding urgent action to provide compensation for the women and families whose lives have been irreparably damaged.
The Hughes Report, (published 7 February 2024), confirmed what women affected by mesh and sodium valproate have long been saying – they were not adequately informed of the risks, experienced life-changing complications, and been left without proper financial support.
In the case of mesh, many women are unable to work or have had to reduce their hours due to chronic pain and disability. Many struggle with depression and anxiety.
In the case of sodium valproate, children whose mothers took the epilepsy drug during pregnancy have been impacted with complications including developmental disability and birth defects.
Yet, no compensation scheme has been put in place to help these women and families rebuild their lives.
Henrietta Hughes, Patient Safety Commissioner, said: ‘It is very disappointing that women who have suffered so much harm are still waiting for redress. This is an injustice as it augments the original harm they suffered. They need redress now and the government must act immediately.’
MP Sharon Hodgson, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for First Do Harm, said: “A year on from the publication of the Hughes Report which calls for a redress scheme for women impacted by the mesh and valproate scandals – the government are yet to issue a response.
“As chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on First Do no Harm – Mesh, Primodos, Valproate I will not rest until these thousands of women and families get the justice they deserve. They have been let down by a system supposed to protect them and as a result will suffer lifelong physical and mental barriers. They will never be the same again.
“While financial compensation cannot reverse this damage, it would at least provide confirmation to them that – contrary to the gaslighting and dismissal they have received – they were right to raise concerns, that they were wronged, that it wasn’t their fault, and that they deserve better.”
Kath Sansom, founder of Sling The Mesh, said: “For a year, we have waited for action, but all we’ve received is silence. The Hughes Report made it clear that financial redress is essential. It is unacceptable that the Government continues to turn a blind eye to women who have lost their health, their jobs, and their quality of life through no fault of their own. The time for excuses is over – we need action now.”
Campaigners are calling for:
An immediate commitment from the Government to establish a financial redress fund for those harmed by mesh and sodium valproate.
A public apology from decision-makers and regulators who allowed this scandal to happen.
A commitment to including women harmed by rectopexy bowel mesh in the financial redress scheme.
As part of the ongoing campaign, Sling The Mesh is urging supporters and the public to join the call for justice using the hashtag #HearHerVoice #WomenBetrayed #AccountabilityNow on social media.
