Expert: We need mesh policy clarity
A top medical expert has warned NHS Scotland faces a huge risk if it continues implanting women with mesh.
Urogynaecologist Wael Agur, a member of the Scottish Government’s mesh review group who stepped down earlier after part of the final report was removed, says the English implant suspension offers far more protection to patients there.
Dr Agur said: “The suspension of mesh implants in England goes much further than ours did in Scotland. Some health boards in Scotland decided to interpret the suspension to allow them to continue using mesh implants.
“But from now on, hospitals will have to ensure they warn patients not only of all the risks, but also that these devices have caused such concern in England, their use has been suspended.”
The surgeon, who no longer uses mesh, said Scotland must now decide what stand to take.
He said: “We must decide whether to extend the suspension brought in four years ago and protect women 100% as they are in Australia and New Zealand where virtually no mesh implants are offered, or we lift the suspension and allow hospitals to do as they wish.”
Campaigner Elaine Holmes, of Scottish Mesh Survivors, said: “We need our new Health Secretary to make her intentions known. Will she ignore the evidence of women dying and disabled for life?”