Call for ‘decisive action’ on mesh scandal

MSPS from across the political divide have warned the Health Secretary that she must take “decisive” and “radical” action on Scotland’s mesh scandal.

The Scottish Conservatives said Shona Robison was in “last chance saloon territory” to deliver justice for women who have suffered as a result of mesh procedures.

Scottish Labour urged her to set up a judge-led inquiry into the issue while others, including former health secretary Alex Neil, also pressed for the government to go further by revisiting the findings of a review group.

Synthetic transvaginal tapes and meshes are used in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Thousands of women have been treated using the implants but some have suffered painful and debilitating complications.

In 2014, Mr Neil – the then health secretary – called for the suspension of such procedures and an independent review group was set up to look at safety issues.