Better care for mesh complications

Work will be carried out to consider how care can be improved for women who have experienced complications after transvaginal mesh surgery.

A sub-group of the medical directors and senior clinical managers who are accountable for this work will be asked to consider the following:

• The sharing of experience, techniques and learning from within Europe and the USA
• Examining the complex education and training requirements required to ensure a sustainable and resilient high quality service
• How best to identify the resource requirements to provide the service patients need

A meeting with a representative group of campaigners will be arranged in order to seek their views on service development.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:

“Last September I announced a complete halt to all transvaginal mesh procedures, and that will only be lifted when I am satisfied that a high vigilance, restricted use protocol has been fully implemented.

“I remain convinced that was the right decision, but it is also important that we do everything possible for the women who have suffered injury as a result of complications from procedures already carried out.

“Following this week’s debate at the Scottish Parliament I have listened carefully to the views of women who have been affected by complications. I had the opportunity to meet some of them in person after the debate and I found what they told me of their experience deeply moving.

“This sub-group will look at a range of options to see how the care and support for these women can be improved. In particular, and where reasonable, I want them to ensure that women have some choice regarding the place of treatment and the clinicians involved.

“Senior health board medical managers, academic and European advisers, and advocates for the affected women will all contribute to this work.  The first meeting will be held as soon as is practicable and I will write to campaigners within a month to set out the probable timescales.”