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Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder: Compensation

Asked by Justin MaddersLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 23 February 2026UIN 113139

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to assess compensation for those living with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

The Department continues to take forward work to explore redress for those affected by pelvic mesh and sodium valproate, which includes recommendations made by the Patient Safety Commissioner in the Hughes Report. We recognise the importance of these issues for all those affected. This remains a cross-Government policy area involving multiple organisations, and given the complexity of the issues involved, it is important we get this right.

I met with the Patient Safety Commissioner in December 2025, to discuss progress following the Hughes Report and have made clear the Department’s expectation of continued, proactive engagement with the Patient Safety Commissioner and key stakeholders.

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