In response to today's developments in the UK regarding the publication of a two year inquiry into how the British healthcare system responded to reports from patients regarding sodium valproate - and which has subsequently recommended that the British Government apologise to those who have been impacted by exposure to sodium valproate in utero - we have immediately written jointly with OACS Ireland to new Health Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly seeking an urgent meeting on three actions which must now happen in Ireland, namely:
- The establishment of an independent inquiry
- The establishment of a Ministerial-appointed valproate stakeholder group
- The need to activate measures proposed by HSE in 2019 to support families affected by foetal valproate syndrome.
Our letter in full can be downloaded at the end of this article. We look forward to receiving an urgent reply from the Minister on this most important matter.
You can read our statement on today's developments in the UK by visiting the 'News' section of our website.