The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

The Government is carefully considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC), Professor Henrietta Hughes, including her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. The Government has been clear that there must be meaningful progress on this matter during this Parliament. We recognise how difficult this uncertainty is for those affected, and we will ensure that the public is kept informed on this important work.

Departmental officials are working in coordination with colleagues across the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, and the devolved administrations to establish the full scope of those affected by pelvic mesh, to assess the financial impact on individuals, and to develop our response to the PSC's report.

There are nine specialist mesh centres across England, ensuring that women in every region with complications resulting from mesh operations get the right support. Each mesh centre is led by a multi-disciplinary team to ensure patients get access to the specialist care and treatment that they need.

However, services can always improve. NHS England has now completed their internal audit of mesh centres across England conducted in 2025, which was designed in partnership with patient representatives. Though the audit is showing the value and impact of the service delivered by mesh centres, with nearly 3,000 patients now seen in the services since their introduction, equating to 700 per year, there are distinct areas for improvement and a timeline for these improvements will be made at pace.

The GP Contract sees practices receive funding through a range of income streams.

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is an optional pay-for-performance scheme that makes up approximately 10% of overall practice income. The indicators and thresholds included in the QOF are developed in accordance with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, underpinned by a robust evidence base. Thresholds are designed to be attainable, while encouraging and incentivising practices to provide the best possible care. Thresholds are aspirational rather than a contractual obligation.

As part of our recently published Medium-Term Planning Framework, we have introduced a new and ambitious target to ensure all urgent appointments are provided on the same day, so that patients requiring urgent care are prioritised. The Department continues to engage with general practitioners broadly to ensure the targets are achievable, reflect the needs of the populations they serve, and to understand barriers to meeting this target.