Question reference: S5W-35331
- Asked by: Neil Findlay, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 18 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 11 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether the NHS will refund mesh-injured women who have used life savings or have borrowed money to fund removal abroad by internationally-recognised mesh surgeons.
Answer
In line with a commitment I gave previously, Scottish Government officials have investigated whether there exists appropriate statutory authority to refund patients who have arranged and received treatment privately, and not through a referral from an NHS Board. Further to this consideration, it has been concluded that there are not legal powers to use public funds to reimburse persons in these circumstances.