AN investigation into the independent review of the use of mesh implants in Scotland has found a series of systematic failures in the way it was conducted.
The Scottish Government asked professor Alison Britton to examine how the Scottish Independent Review of Transvaginal Mesh Implants was carried out following widespread criticism of its final report. She concluded the review was “ill-conceived, thoughtlessly structured and poorly executed”.
A year-long investigative review by Britton, who is a professor of healthcare and medical law at Glasgow Caledonian University, made a series of recommendations which may be applied to similar independent reviews in the future. The Scottish Government said it would consider her findings.
The original mesh review was commissioned by ministers after a number women spoke out at Holyrood on their experiences of being treated with the medical devices. Many experienced serious complications following procedures to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
There were claims the original report was a “whitewash”, with key parts warning of the risks of mesh implants removed.
Britton’s report says: “We have concluded that the mesh review and the process leading up to the publication of its final report were characterised by systematic failures. We found that the review was ill-conceived, thoughtlessly structured and poorly executed.
Britton makes 46 recommendations. Scottish Tory interim leader Jackson Carlaw said there were “very serious lessons” for the Scottish Government.
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