WOMEN with concerns about their mesh removal procedure are to be offered a sit-down review of their patient notes with independent clinicians.
The move comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Health Secretary Jeane Freeman met in November with those affected by complications after mesh surgery. They heard how some women had only had partial mesh removal surgery, having understood they would have total removal.
The Scottish Government has now confirmed that these women will be offered the review, which will give them the opportunity to set out their concerns about treatment and then examine this with clinicians alongside their notes.
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The case note review will be co-designed by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland and will take place in spring. Each woman will receive a report based on the outcome of the review of their case records and discussion with a clinician.
Ministers have also committed to a £1 million Mesh Injured Women’s Fund, while a national Complex Care Review Service will be operational from April 2020. The review service will help provide access to specialist care.
Freeman said: “The First Minister and I are absolutely determined to do everything possible to ensure that all women affected by transvaginal mesh problems get the treatment and the care that they need. The case note review will hopefully give these women the answers they require about their situation.”
The case note review will initially be offered to those who attended the meetings in November. However, subject to evaluation, a similar review may be offered more widely to others with similar concerns.
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