Controversial mesh implant in Scotland operations continue
January 16, 2017
Calls from Scottish ministers began as far back as June 2014 to cease controversial vaginal mesh implant operations. Nevertheless, 404 Scottish women underwent the operation since then. Accordingly, many of these patients are suffering from catastrophic side effects of a mesh implant in Scotland.
Mesh implant operations remain available to women who suffer from incontinence and pelvic prolapse for more than 20 years. But worryingly, a large number of those women are now in wheelchairs, thus necessitating the need for vaginal mesh removal procedures.
Government’s 2014 response to the mesh implant in Scotland
In short, as a result of complications from the procedure, many lives are in ruin. Then-Health Secretary Alex Neil requested a suspension of the procedure albeit pending an investigation into its effectiveness and safety.
“I’ve personally met with women who’ve been adversely affected, and I was deeply troubled to hear how women affected have suffered.
They have my full sympathy and support (women) and we’ll certainly do everything we can to improve the situation.
“No one should have to experience the level of suffering that some of these women have had.”
Although some health boards did suspend the procedures, many other health boards did not. Greater Glasgow and Clyde alone carried out 178 of the implants; Lothian did 146 since calls for its suspension.
So widespread is the procedure that in 2015, Scottish health minister Shona Robison apologised to victims of the controversial operation. This in spite of the circumstances in 2014, which is on the record. Indeed, loads of women experienced complications from transvaginal mesh implants at that time.
July 2020 Update
However, as of July 2020, things are looking up for Scottish women affected by mesh complications. In essence, removal of mesh procedures will be on offer to vaginal mesh in Scotland victims. Early reports indicate August 2020 to establish the service.
There is also a mesh implant Scotland health board to deal with repayment and independent review of cases. This £1million fund, in short, can support qualifying victims with a one-off £1,000 payment. We can assist when you make an inquiry call to The Medical Negligence Experts today. For pelvic organ prolapse pop incidents, vaginal mesh complications and more, too.
Mesh implant case study
A woman has a mesh implant operation following a hysterectomy. Later, she claims it’s destroying her life after losing her job as a result of the effects of the procedure.
She underwent three further procedures to remove the mesh. However, she learns that it was not possible to reverse the mesh implant. Therefore, it’s seemingly now permanently adhering to her organs.
Should it still be on offer to Scottish women?
Previously, the Scottish government asked health boards to consider halting the use of synthetic mesh products in such incidences. But they also add that the service should still be available to women who want to proceed with the operation.
Personal compensation lawyers, in general, describe it as straightforward medical negligence and a global health scandal. As such, hundreds of women are now suing health boards for the procedure, subsequent procedures and the injuries sustained.
*Stress urinary incontinence (SUI).