Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 6 October 2026
To ask the Scottish Government how many women are currently awaiting assessment by the National Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service, broken down by NHS board.
There are currently 26 patients awaiting a first outpatient appointment with the National Complex Mesh Surgical Service (CMSS) operating in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Due to the small numbers involved, a full breakdown by NHS Board cannot be provided to protect patient confidentiality. NHS Lothian has six patients awaiting an appointment. NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Borders, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Tayside each have fewer than five patients waiting.
The current average waiting time for a first outpatient appointment is 15 weeks. This represents a significant reduction from 54 weeks in April 2023.
Patients who are referred to the CMSS receive a letter informing them of their referral and advising them of the expected waiting time. This letter also includes a QR code which takes patients to the CMSS website where they can access information about what to expect during their visit. In addition, patients are contacted by telephone prior to their arrival, giving an opportunity to better understand what will happen during their visit, and to discuss any questions or concerns.