Vaginal Mesh and Sodium Valproate - The Cumberlege Report has been published
The Cumberlege Report into the use of vaginal mesh and the anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate has been published today (8th July).
Running to 277 pages and with 11 appendices the report identifies a series of failings which have led, in many cases, to impaired and in the most serious cases to ruined lives.
Titled ‘First Do Not Harm’ the report lists nine major recommendations both to help those who have already suffered harm and to minimise the risks from the use of medical devices such as vaginal mesh and medicines like sodium valproate in the future.
In presenting the report Baroness Cumberlege commented that “it makes for uncomfortable reading”. She continued that having conducted many enquiries and reviews she had concluded a lot of the difficulties experienced by those advised to have vaginal mesh surgery or who were prescribed sodium valproate were “entirely avoidable (and were) caused and compounded by failings in the health system itself”.
Amongst the reports recommendations are that the Government should issue a full apology to all those affected; that schemes should be set up to provide care and support to those who have experienced harm; and that a Redress Agency should be established to compensate those who suffer harm from medical devices and medicines in the future.
Commenting on the report Steve Green, Head of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence at Fosters LLP and a specialist in group actions, said: “Fosters are already acting for a number of clients who have been waiting for the outcome of this report. We will now consider it in detail but anticipate that, together with other firms representing clients who have been affected by vaginal mesh and sodium valproate, we will look at all options including potential litigation.”
If you have had vaginal mesh surgery or been prescribed sodium valproate and either you (or any children born after you took sodium valproate) have subsequently become ill or suffered chronic conditions or poor health you may have a claim.
Our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team are available to advise, for a free no obligation chat please call on freephone 0800 7318539.
This article was produced on the 8th July 2020 by our Personal Injury & Group Actions and Medical Negligence & Inquests teams for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.