This week, Baroness Cumberlege concluded her two year review into the hormone pregnancy test Primodos, the anti-epilepsy drug sodium valproate and pelvic mesh.
It is an understatement to say the report is uncomfortable reading. It’s truly harrowing to hear of all the women and families who live with permanent anguish because of these medicines and devices, and it has clearly taken too long for their voices to be heard. While the NHS is the home of incredible care and safety, we must do better – for the victims, but also for the thousands of future patients.
I was particularly struck when reading the report to hear of the guilt many mothers felt when the drugs they had taken during pregnancy inadvertently harmed their babies. I asked the Health Minister for reassurance – on behalf of pregnant women across Sevenoaks and Swanley now and in the future - that action has been taken to monitor drugs use during pregnancy, so they can rest assured that the treatments they receive are safe.
I thank the review team and all the victims who came forward to share their story and look forward to hearing more from Government on how the recommendations will be taken forward. These lessons now must be learnt once and for all.
To see Laura's question please visit: https://www.facebook.com/lauratrottmp/videos/748096565756928
