Chamber and committees

While the use of hernia mesh remains accepted practice across the UK, the Scottish Government is aware of the concerns that have been expressed by patients and others about the use of mesh in a non-transvaginal setting. As such, the Scottish Government took the action as outlined in response to question S5W-20179 on 21 December 2018.

In addition, the Scottish Health Technologies Group which is part of NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland has agreed to a request from the Scottish Government to examine the use of mesh in inguinal hernia repair. This will be an extended assessment which will review published information as well as the views of patients, public and clinician representatives. The Group aims to report in January 2020.

The Scottish Health Technologies Group provides advice on the evidence about the clinical and cost effectiveness of existing and new technologies likely to have significant implications for patient care in Scotland. This advice should support the planning and decision making processes in Health Boards. The Group’s meetings are open to members of the public and media to observe. This enables stakeholders and members of the public to understand how evidence is assessed and interpreted, how consultation comments are taken into account and how the Group provides advice.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .