THE APOLOGIES The minister: I will keep my word over ban

Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has responded to the Cumberlege Report by issuing a further apology to mesh victims. Yesterday, she repeated her promise not to bring back mesh despite fears that in the absence of an outright ban in the report, surgeons will recommence implant procedures.

She said she would “unequivocally” keep her word, and added: “I have been clear from the start that there is no prospect of the halt in the use of transvaginal mesh being lifted. I have already offered a sincere apology on behalf of the Scottish Government and the NHS in Scotland to the women who have been affected, and in light of the Cumberlege Report I am happy to do so again.” We revealed last year that an advisory group feared mesh procedures could restart in Scotland if the suspension was lifted following Baroness Cumberlege’s insistence some implants can be used in the “last resort” .

The Health Secretary said officials were currently examining the contents of the report and would look at recommendations including calls for a Patient Safety Commissioner and the development of a medicines regulator.

She said: “It is, however, important to recognise that our commitment to patient safety has been and remains key to delivering healthcare in Scotland. “This commitment is demonstrated through the work of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme. We are also continuing to develop a person-centred approach to openness and learning in Health and Social Care. “The regulation of medicines and medical devices is still reserved to Westminster. However, for a long time we have pushed for reform of the assessment of medical device safety, and we welcome the recommendations that this area of reserved competence should be reviewed.”