The review looked at 3 treatments which have caused harm and which only slowly and reluctantly been recognised as such. These are: hormonal pregnancy tests, the anti-convulsant drug Sodium Valproate when given in pregnancy, and the use of polypropylene mesh for pelvic repairs. In all cases serious harm and much suffering resulted and was only slowly recognised. The review looks at the experiences of patients, the reasons for the delayed recognition of the harm and makes 9 recommendations to remedy the situation.

The annual national GP patient survey - representing patients' views of their GP practices - has just been published for 2020. This is based on data taken near the start of the year. The scoring is based on patients' classification of various features of the services. Because there is no natural absolute scale for these figures we have chosen to use the practice's rank among all practices in England.

The Berkshire West Primary Care Committee meets virtually from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday 8th July. Practice performance (QOF) and the renewal of the Walk-In Centre contract are among the topics to be discussed. The meeting is being help over the Microsoft Teams application. Members of the public who wish to attend, are able to dial in to listen using these details: +44 20 3321 5208. Conference ID: 503 447 053#.

Patients at Milman Road Health Centre and at Kennet Surgery have been made aware of a plan to merge the two practices. The letter to patients assures them that there will be no reduction in appointments available. It is possible, though, that the branch surgery at Christchurch Road might be discontinued at some time with patients given a choice as to where to transfer.

Reading borough is developing a local plan to control outbreaks of Covid-19. The plan can be inspected here .