On the 8 July 2020, the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review (the “Review”) chaired by Baroness Julia Cumberlege CBE DL, published its important report into the use and effect of certain medical interventions.  A copy of the report can be found here.

The Review, commissioned in February 2018 by the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, was tasked with examining how the health system responds to reports from patients about the harmful side effects of medicines and medical devices.

In particular, the Review examined the damaging effects of Primodos (a hormone pregnancy test), Sodium Valporate (an anti-epileptic drug) and Pelvic Mesh Implants (used in the surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse).  It has now made a number of recommendations to HM Government designed to improve patient safety by identifying earlier and more effectively, trends in practice and outcomes that give rise to safety concerns.

Between December 2018 and July 2020, Paul provided significant legal support to the Review, particularly in the areas of data protection, privacy and access to / freedom of information.

Paul welcomed the publication of the Report and hopes that it will contribute to an improvement in patient-safety in the future.

For further information on Paul’s practice or to instruct him, please contact our clerks through the switchboard on 020 7353 0711 or via email: clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com.