Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed has welcomed the news that women in Scotland who require the surgical removal of mesh implants are to be offered surgery in the U.S. as a potential treatment course.
Women in Scotland now have the option to request for referral to one of two independent providers for mesh removal surgery. The Scottish Government has this week (Tuesday12th July) announced that a contract has been agreed between the NHS and Gynaecologic and Reconstructive Surgery Ltd in Missouri, USA, where Dr Veronikis practices. The contract allows NHS Scotland to facilitate arrangements for those who wish to travel to the USA for mesh removal surgery.
This option is in addition to the treatment options currently being offered with Spire Healthcare in Bristol and the Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC). Each of these options will be available free of charge.
SNP MSP for Stirling Evelyn Tweed, who took part in a Parliamentary debate about transvaginal mesh removal on 24th November last year, said:
“I am pleased that the Scottish Government has listened and, most importantly, acted to ensure that women in Stirling and wider Scotland seeking mesh removal surgery can access the surgery they need, and have needed for a long time.
“Last year on the Health and Social Care Committee I heard heart breaking testimonies detailing not just physical pain associated with mesh implants, but significant mental and emotional trauma as well.
“Many women have suffered an unimaginable amount of pain due to complications as a result of transvaginal mesh implants and it is absolutely right the Scottish Government is doing all it can to ensure they now get the treatment that they want and need. This contract gives women access to Dr Veronikis’ services and adds to the range of free options for treatment including the service already available in NHS Scotland and a specialist NHS Centre in England.
“I encourage anyone in Stirling who would like a referral to any of these services to make their wishes known to their GP or clinical team ASAP so they can access the best possible treatment for them as quickly as possible.”
More information:
https://www.gov.scot/news/contract-signed-for-mesh-removal-surgery/
