The government has been urged to give financial compensation to women affected by the mesh scandal – as the patient safety commissioner said she was disappointed by the “silence” victims say they have faced.
Dr Henrietta Hughes highlighted in a report last year that thousands of women’s lives were “destroyed” and that there was a “clear case for redress” for thousands of women and children affected by vaginal mesh implants and sodium valproate.
She urged ministers to create a two-stage financial redress scheme – an interim scheme and a main scheme as campaigners said they have “faced silence” in the year since the report was published.
“It is very disappointing that women who have suffered so much harm are still waiting for redress,” she said.
“This is an injustice as it augments the original harm they suffered. They need redress now and the government must act immediately.”
Kath Sansom, founder of the Sling the Mesh campaign group, said that women’s lives have been “irreparably damaged” by mesh, with many unable to work or forced to reduce their hours due to chronic pain and disability.
Despite this, no compensation scheme has been put in place to help those affected, Ms Sansom said.
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“For a year, we have waited for action, but all we’ve received is silence,” she said.
“The Hughes Report made it clear that financial redress is essential.
“It is unacceptable that the government continues to turn a blind eye to women who have lost their health, their jobs, and their quality of life through no fault of their own.
“The time for excuses is over – we need action now.”
Read more:
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Valproate risk ‘hidden’ from pregnant women for decades
Transvaginal mesh implants were used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence after childbirth.
But they have caused debilitating harm to some women.
Side effects have included infection, pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, pain during sex and incontinence.
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A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The harm caused by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh continues to be felt today. Our sympathies are with those affected and we are fully focused on how best to support patients and prevent future harm.
“This is a complex area of work and health minister Baroness Gillian Merron met with some of those affected before Christmas, and has committed to providing an update to the patient safety commissioner at the earliest opportunity.”
