Chamber and committees

Ministers and government officials have taken great care to allow the Review to take an independent view on the matter, and the members’ range of experiences and expertise was intended to ensure that a comprehensive examination of the situation was possible. This is a complex, technical area and the Scottish Government has given the Review wide latitude to prepare the report without interference from Government.

Decisions around the circumstances in which the use of mesh in any individual patient’s treatment is appropriate are a matter between the patient and the clinicians involved in her case. The Independent Review is expected to publish its final report during the spring. Health Boards will take appropriate action depending on the report's recommendations.

The Chair of the Independent Review has confirmed that the clinician members of the review met twice; firstly in October 2016 (Edinburgh), and subsequently in January 2017 (Glasgow). In addition, the clinician members held a teleconference in January 2017. The nature of these meetings was to agree the content of the chapter of the final report for which the clinicians were responsible, and separate minutes were not therefore taken.

The Chair of the Review also held teleconferences with both the Scottish Mesh Survivors members and with the other patient representative in January 2017. These were informal discussions and were not minuted.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-07740 on 17 March 2017. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The resignation of the two members was unfortunate, has caused me concern, and I plan to meet with Ms McIlroy and Ms Holmes shortly in order to properly understand their reasons for resigning. I am, however, aware that Ms McIlroy and Ms Holmes have contributed much to the Review over the past three years and would hope that this is reflected in the Review’s final report.

The Scottish Government has not made an assessment of these costs.

The Independent Review’s secretariat has provided support to all members of the Review. This has included, amongst other things, the arranging meetings at convenient times and in appropriate accommodation, the arranging of teleconferencing facilities, the provision of hard copy papers, the refunding of travelling expenses, and other assistance upon request. Scottish Government officials are unable to provide legal advice.

Records suggest that there are fewer than five current legal cases involving the use of mesh to treat hernias.

The commitment within the Scottish budget to invest £150 million over the next five years is from 2017-18 to 2021-22. Allocation decisions for 2017-18 are currently being finalised.

The commitment within the Scottish budget to invest £150 million over the next five years is from 2017-18 to 2021-22. £30 million is earmarked for allocation in 2017-18. The allocation profile for future years is currently being agreed, and will be subject to future Spending Review decisions.