TO HEALTH SECRETARY JEANE FREEMAN
JULY 26 2020
Minister,
The dedicated professionals of our National Health Service have risen to meet the challenge of these unprecedented times. Today, we urge you to rise to the challenge laid down by Baroness Julia Cumberlege in her report, First Do No Harm.
She revealed the harrowing testimony of many patients harmed by their treatment, including pelvic mesh, and how their voice went unheard and unheeded for too long. She recommended a patients’ safety commissioner is appointed in England but believes Scotland can lead the way.
We agree and, further, believe a Scottish Patients’ Commissioner should be appointed to listen to and advocate for all patients; help shape and direct their complaints; and hold a system, which can appear complex, daunting and unresponsive, properly to account.
One voice is more important than any other in our National Health Service. We ask you to ensure that voice is heard and heeded and appoint a Scottish Patients’ Commissioner.
Baroness Julia Cumberlege Chair of Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review Panel
Sir Cyril Chantler Member of Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review Panel
Simon Whale Member of Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review Panel
Rachel Power Chief Executive of the Patients’ Association
Henry McLeish Former First Minister
Richard Leonard MSP Leader of Scottish Labour Jackson Carlaw MSP Leader of Scottish
Conservatives Alison Johnstone Co-leader of Scottish Greens Willie Rennie MSP Leader of Scottish
Liberal Democrats Monica Lennon MSP Scottish Labour Shadow Health Secretary
Miles Briggs MSP Scottish Conservatives Shadow Health Secretary
Alex Neil MSP Former Health Secretary
Malcolm Chisholm Former Health Secretary
Neil Findlay MSP Former chair of health committee
Richard Simpson Former MSP and GP
Professor Hugh Pennington Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology, Aberdeen
Dr Wael Agur Urogynaecologist and a member of Scottish Government mesh advisory group Roger Livermore Former Health and Safety Executive prosecutor