Scotland’s patient safety champion role not filled a year on

Charlie Bethune has been campaigning for the recommendations of the Cumberledge report to be implemented in Scotland.

Mr Bethune, who founded the First Do No Harm group, said it was frustrating that Scotland had not yet appointed a safety commissioner.

“It’s been four years since the Cumberledge report which recommended this role,” he said.

“It should have been the easiest recommendation to fulfil so it doesn’t give us much hope for any of the others getting done.

“Meanwhile my daughter continues to be affected from her exposure to valproate without any specialist support being available in Scotland.”

Mr Bethune added: “While prescribing of valproate has reduced, evidence is now emerging of some alternative drugs having similar dangers.”

Sodium valproate is an effective medication for epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

If the drug is taken during pregnancy it can cause major birth defects, but for decades women were not properly warned about the risks.

An estimated 20,000 children were exposed to the drug while in the womb and many live with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism.

Mr Bethune’s daughter – now 11 – has a learning disability as well as hyper-mobility in her joints and issues with her eyesight, teeth and speech.

Other children affected have developed spinal and other complex medical problems as they get older.