Question reference: S6W-09866
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 20 July 2022
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 15 August 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-09768 by Humza Yousaf on 12 July 2022, whether treatment at mesh centres for removal of mesh implants will only be available for gynaecological mesh.
Answer
Treatment at the specialist service provided by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is targeted specifically at those who have experienced transvaginal mesh complications. This is in recognition of the painful and life changing side effects experienced by some women who have received transvaginal mesh implants. The creation of specialist centres of this nature was a recommendation of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review, and the centre in Glasgow forms part of a network of similar centres in other parts of the UK.
I would strongly encourage anyone who suspects that their mesh implant is related to symptoms they are experiencing to contact their GP in the first instance, regardless of whether that is a transvaginal implant or another form of mesh. GPs act as a gateway to care provided by other parts of the NHS and can therefore ensure that patients can see the right person at the right place at the right time, in a safe, effective and efficient manner.