NHS reveals set-up of Complex Mesh Removal Surgical Service

The NHS is to set up a specialist service to perform mesh removal operations on women who have been left suffering after surgery.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the Scottish Government will provide more than £1.3 million to support the new Complex Mesh Removal Surgical Service in 2020-21.

The service will be based within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde but will treat women from across the country.

Doctors will carry out comprehensive assessments and vaginal mesh removal surgery on women over the age of 16 who have suffered complications.

The announcement comes almost a month after a leading US medical expert said he would not be able to come to Scotland to perform mesh removal surgeries.

Dr Dionysios Veronikis said he had to “reluctantly withdraw” after failing to reach an agreement with the Scottish Government on the necessary accreditation.

Announcing the new service, Ms Freeman said: “We recognise the distressing physical and emotional effects which mesh complications have had on women and we have already taken strong and decisive action, including halting the use of transvaginal mesh and developing a case note review.

“I have now asked

NHS National Services Division to establish a national designated service for complex mesh removal for those who require specialist surgery to mitigate complications of their surgery.

“We have listened to the women affected by mesh complications and this new service reflects their wish to have a clear, single national pathway for treatment.

“Ongoing follow-up for pain management, psychological and psychosexual needs will be provided within services commissioned locally by the NHS boards where patients live so their care can be delivered as close to home as possible.”