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Independent review into mesh implants: Delayed

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Baroness Cumberlege previously announced the delay of the publication of the much anticipated Review’s report from 24th March to the 8th July. MPN editor Laura Hughes reached out to Kath Sansom, founder of campaign group Sling The Mesh, to discuss her thoughts on this announcement.

How do you feel about the decision to delay the Review’s report from the original date of 24th March to 8th July?

We weren't surprised that the report was delayed. There was a general consensus by everyone that this was the right thing to do, else the news could have got buried in coronavirus media coverage.

Are there any expectations about the information this report will contain?

All the members of Sling The Mesh want to see a ban. If they do not ban, then we want the mesh implant to be pushed to the third line final option:

This would vastly reduce the number of women being implanted with the plastic mesh implants, and therefore, vastly reduce the risk of those suffering.

Statistics show that 80% of women can be cured or their symptoms eased by physiotherapy. Surgeons were too quick to rush women under the knife to fix mild stress incontinence and this is very wrong and must stop.

We hope a robust database will be set up to properly log complications, and we hope the database will be compulsory so that all mesh problems must be logged

We also hope to see a Sunshine Payment Act introduced so that all medics and teaching hospitals must declare conflicts of interest. They must be transparent on money paid to them directly or indirectly by industry which can bias research results or treatment options offered.

We want the Government to apologise to women whose lives have been ruined by this operation, and we want the Government to pay out compensation to those suffering.

How has Covid-19 affected those who are experiencing difficulties and problems as a result of the surgical mesh?

Covid-19 means the mesh removal waiting lists have been on hold, so women who may have already waited 18 months for a mesh removal have had surgeries delayed for another six months. All of them waiting in pain and distress, hoping to ease some of their suffering.

Many women suffering from mesh complications have developed a range of autoimmune conditions which has caused worry and concern in the mesh communities about being particularly vulnerable to the virus.

Any concluding thoughts?

I set up Sling The Mesh in 2015 with no idea where it would lead - I just wanted to help women. It began with 20 members and now has more than 8,100 from around the world. It also includes men and women suffering hernia mesh complications. The campaign has raised awareness of the need for tighter medical device regulation, the need for more cynicism on scientific research, and has empowered women to take to their keyboards to fight via emails and social media for justice for their suffering.

Everyone who has played their part in this review should be justifiably proud.

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