Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure the provision of specialist training for healthcare professionals on (a) the symptoms of, (b) complications arising from and (c) available support for people affected by Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder.

NHS England is exploring options for strengthening the provision of specialist training for healthcare professionals when supporting people impacted by sodium valproate through its Fetal Exposure to Medicine Pilot project. The pilot project is being led by the Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The pilot project started in December 2024 and will run for 18 months, and provides assessment and expertise to support diagnosis and treatment planning for people impacted by sodium valproate and other anti-seizure medication. The pilot project will be presenting initial learning and key themes, including staff development and training recommendations for healthcare professionals, to NHS England at the end of September. This will inform wider discussions about service delivery models and wider coverage across England.