Mesh reimbursement scheme now open

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown is urging eligible women across her constituency and beyond to apply for financial assistance from the Mesh Reimbursement Scheme.

The deadline approaches on Sunday, March 31, and the SNP politician hopes that all eligible women take advantage of the scheme before it closes.

The scheme was designed to help with the financial burdens of women who had to pay for corrective surgeries.

To be eligible, procedures had to be booked before 3 June 2022.

The scheme was due to close in December 2023, but the Scottish Government extended it to give women a final chance to apply.

Commenting, Siobhian Brown MSP (pictured above) said:“Having heard the personal stories of women in my constituency and beyond, I have been deeply moved by their struggles.

“Through speaking to women and telling their stories in two Members Debates in Parliament, we have shed a light on the suffering endured by many.

“One woman I spoke to talked about navigating her way through the nightmare of living with a vaginal mesh. Whilst many continue to live with the physical and emotional side effects, this scheme can alleviate the financial burden.

“Now, it’s crucial that eligible women step forward and access the support they deserve through the Mesh Reimbursement Scheme.”

The closure of this scheme on 31 March 2024 will have no effect on the arrangements now in place for women to have surgery with private providers in the UK and the United States through the National Mesh Removal Referral Pathway. This will continue to be arranged and paid for by the NHS.