May orders probe into double health scandal

Public inquiries on Primodos tests and mesh could follow

THE UK Government have ordered a review of scandals involving the pregnancy test drug Primodos and the use of vaginal mesh implants.

The move comes as a major victory for campaigners and the Daily Record.

We exposed a cover-up of the impact of German-made Primodos, which caused miscarriages and birth abnormalities.

Our sister paper the Sunday Mail campaigned on vaginal mesh implants which left women treated for incontinence and prolapse in acute pain.

Theresa May said a review of the two scandals and the use of the anti-epilepsy drug sodium valproate will be led by former Tory health minister Baroness Cumberlege.

The UK Government also said they would consider whether there are grounds for wider public inquiries into the failings.

And Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt admitted that the Government’s response to the health scandals “has not always been good enough”.

Campaigners welcomed the move but were disappointed the three matters were being reviewed together.

May told the Commons: “Concerns raised by campaign groups – not just about Primodos but some other issues like vaginal mesh and sodium valproate – have highlighted that there is an issue with our regulatory and healthcare system and we are determined to address it.

“I have been clear that we need to do better. We need to see a faster, more understanding response to patients when they raise concerns.”

Hunt said the review will also consider the processes followed by the NHS and regulatory bodies after patients report their concerns.

He added: “Families have had to spend too much time and energy campaigning for answers in a way that added insult to injury for many.

“I want to see if we can establish a fairer and quicker way of resolving these concerns both now and in the future.”

A spokeswoman for campaign group Sling the Mesh said: “We are delighted that at last a review is to be carried out but also saddened that so many women’s and families’ lives have been shattered.”

Marie Lyon, of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests, said: “We are disappointed the three campaigns are being reviewed together.”