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MHRA refuses to approve mass daily Covid testing at English schools

Boris Johnson’s plans to test millions of schoolchildren for coronavirus every week appear to be in disarray after the UK regulator refused to formally approve the daily testing of pupils in England, the Guardian has learned.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told the government on Tuesday it had not authorised the daily use of 30-minute tests due to concerns that they give people false reassurance if they test negative. This could lead to pupils staying in school and potentially spreading the virus when they should be self-isolating.

The regulator’s decision undermines a key element of the government’s strategy to bring the pandemic under control – and is bound to raise fresh questions about the tests, and the safety of the schools that have been asked to use them.

Prof Jon Deeks, a biostatistician of the University of Birmingham and Royal Statistical Society, described the use of rapid tests in this context as “ridiculous and dangerous” and welcomed the MHRA’s stance.

He said: “It is really important that we have confidence in the safety and effectiveness of tests for Covid-19 and all other diseases - this is the responsibility of our regulator.

“This clarification of the unsuitability of lateral flow tests for saying people are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 from the MHRA demonstrates that they are taking their responsibility seriously to ensure that tests are used in a safe way."

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Source: The Guardian, 14 January 2021

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MHRA raids illegal weight-loss jab production line worth more than £250,000

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has seized more than 2,000 unlicensed weight-loss pens, plus raw chemical ingredients in what it says is “believed to be the largest single seizure of trafficked weight-loss medicines ever recorded by a law enforcement agency worldwide”.

The MHRA has confirmed to The Pharmaceutical Journal that the warehouse in Northampton was raided by officers from the agency’s criminal enforcement unit (CEU), supported by Northamptonshire Police, as part of an operation over the course of two days beginning on 22 October 2025.

Officers found “tens of thousands of empty weight-loss pens ready to be filled, raw chemical ingredients and more than 2,000 unlicensed retatrutide and tirzepatide pens awaiting dispatch to customers”, with the contents of the pens “still being analysed”, it said.

The MHRA explained that the street value of the finished weight-loss products alone is estimated to be more than one-quarter of a million pounds.

Officers also recovered “large amounts of sophisticated packaging and manufacturing equipment”, as well as £20,000 in cash that they suspect to be linked to medicines trafficking, according to the agency. 

The site is the first illicit production facility for weight-loss medicine discovered in the UK.

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Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal, 24 October 2025

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MHRA pilots patient involvement in new applications

A pilot project that puts patient involvement at the heart of clinical trials and medicine development has been launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

From the 23 March, when new applications for selected medicines (new active substances and new indications) are received, the applicant company will be asked for evidence on the patient involvement activities they undertook when developing their product. For clinical trials, whilst additional information won’t be requested at this early exploratory stage of the pilot, the MHRA will be documenting in medical assessment reports if there is evidence of patient involvement in clinical trial applications in order to better understand the current scope of activities.

In considering how patient involvement is integrated into the approvals process, the MHRA hopes to learn from any patient-related activities that take place during development, and use this knowledge to improve the quality of clinical drug development and health outcomes in the future.

During the pilot, the information provided by the applicants will be voluntary and will not alter the outcome of their application. However, in future, the agency hopes that a successful pilot will lead to patient involvement playing a greater role in the final assessment process, when clinical trials are approved, or medicines are licensed.

Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive, comments:

"Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Gathering this information will help us gain a better understanding of the current landscape and give us important insight into the valuable work being done across our innovative life sciences sector.

I’m excited for the opportunity to learn more so that we can work together to shape the future of effective patient involvement and better outcomes for all."

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Source: MHRA, 23 March 2021

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MHRA launches annual patient safety campaign

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched its seventh annual campaign urging clinicians and patients to report any suspected side effects or adverse incidents pertaining to medicines and medical devices. 

The global campaign involves regulators from more than 80 countries and aims to promote public and sector engagement in actively improving patient safety.

Once flagged to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, any suspected adverse incidents or risks are catalogued and investigated by the regulator – since being established in the mid-sixties, the initiative has identified, and dealt with, many safety concerns related to medicines and medical technologies, improving patient safety and strengthening the clinician-user relationship in the health sector.

Phil Tregunno, MHRA Deputy Director of Patient Safety Monitoring, said: “Every report made by a patient, a healthcare professional, or a carer plays a key role in gaining knowledge about the risks of medicines and medical devices in clinical use and allows rapid, targeted action to be taken to minimise harm and ensure that the benefit-risk remains favourable.

“Reporting suspected side effects and adverse incidents to the Yellow Card website is not just about the individual involved, it helps to improve the safety of medicines and medical devices for all patients. By reporting, you are part of the solution – and you may be helping to protect the most vulnerable, at-risk groups from potential harm.

“If you, your child, or a patient in your care experiences a suspected side effect or adverse incident relating to a medicine or medical device, it is essential that you report it to us promptly. The faster you report, the likelier it is that we can intervene and prevent others from experiencing untoward, serious, life-altering, and occasionally life-threatening issues.”

You can report any potential side effects, adverse incidents or risks by visiting the Yellow Card scheme’s website.

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Source: National Health Executive, 7 November 2022

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MHRA joins international partnerships to set global standards for medicines and medical devices regulation

The UK is set to play a greater international role in making sure medicines and medical devices are regulated safely and efficiently worldwide, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced after being accepted as a full member of three international work-sharing partnerships.

Two of these, the International Medical Device Regulatory Forum (IMDRF) and the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) are focused on improving the harmonisation and convergence of medicines and medical devices regulation globally.

Through these partnerships, the MHRA will share expertise with other leading organisations, support the development of regulatory guidelines and drive greater harmonisation of regulation around the world. This will help deliver timely access to innovative medical products not just in the UK but globally.

The MHRA has also been accepted as a member of the US-based Medical Devices Innovation Consortium (MDIC). This public-private partnership brings together representatives of regulatory bodies, industry, non-profits, and patient organisations from different countries to improve the processes for development, assessment, and review of new medical technologies. This enables transformational medical technology to get to the people who need it sooner, by shortening the path from innovation to safety to access.

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Source: Gov.uk, 16 June 2022

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MHRA issues warning after seizing illegal fillers worth up to £4m

Illegal fillers worth up to £4m have been seized by the medicines watchdog after dermatologists warned they could cause “disfigurement and infection”.

More than 27,000 units of unlicensed dermal fillers have been confiscated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) since January 2020.

The MHRA has warned that using these fillers could “put your health at risk” as there are “no safeguards to ensure it meets our quality and safety standards”.

Dermal fillers are injectable substances commonly used to target wrinkles and smooth or “rejuvenate” the skin, but if used incorrectly, they can pose serious health risks.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, told The Independent: “Counterfeit fillers are potentially incredibly dangerous. They are not subject to regulations which are essential to prevent potentially devastating complications. Using these can put people at risk of disfigurement and infection, which can cause huge health issues.”

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Source: The Independent, 29 January 2026

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MHRA issues guidance on medical device surveillance regulation

The MHRA has published new guidance to medical device manufacturers on upcoming requirements around post-market surveillance

New Post-market surveillance regulation for medical devices comes into force across England, Scotland and Wales on 16 June 2025 and introduces key new requirements around the monitoring of medical devices after they’ve entered the market.

This includes more comprehensive data collection; shorter timeframes for reporting serious incidents and summary reporting to identify safety issues; and clearer obligations around risk mitigation and communication to protect user safety.

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Source: Digital Health, 22 January 2025

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MHRA issues guidance for people using mental health apps

As an increasing number of people turn to mental health apps and technologies for support, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published guidance on how to use the tools safely.

Not all digital mental health technologies are regulated as medical devices – some are instead classed as wellbeing or lifestyle products, which means they may not have been through the same checks.

MHRA and NHS England have developed free online resources for the public, parents, carers and professionals which use short animations and real-world examples to show what safe, well-evidenced digital mental health technologies look like, and explain how to report concerns through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

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Source: Digital Health, 28 January 2026

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MHRA confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children

Following the announcement by US President Donald Trump that US physicians will soon be advised not to prescribe paracetamol (known as Tylenol in the US) to pregnant women, Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said:

"Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.   

"Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. 

"Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence.  Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts. 

"We continuously monitor the safety of all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, through robust monitoring and surveillance. We encourage anyone to report any suspected side effects to us via the Yellow Card scheme."

Read full press release

Source: MHRA, 23 September 2025

MHRA factsheet on taking paracetamol while pregnant:

Factsheet - Paracetamol and Pregnancy.docx

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MHRA calls on public to report side effects and suspected fakes during #MedSafetyWeek

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging the public to help keep medicines, medical devices, vaccines and blood products safe by reporting any side effects, device incidents and suspected fake medical products, as part of #MedSafetyWeek (3–9 November).  

The global campaign is marking its tenth year, bringing together more than 130 regulators and health organisations across 117 countries with one shared message: everyone has a role to play in medicine safety. 

Reporting matters more than ever 

With more people using medicines and medical devices than ever before – from weight loss treatments to wearable monitors – safety reporting is a key part of protecting public health.  

An estimated 2.5 million people in the UK are now using weight loss medicines, many bought online and delivered by post. Thousands use glucose sensors or blood-pressure monitors in the comfort of their own homes. As medicines and medical devices play a bigger role in daily life, including to prevent illness rather than treat it, public reporting of safety concerns is more important than ever. 

Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA Chair, said:  

“Healthcare has changed significantly over the past decade, alongside advances in science and technology. Medicines and medical devices are part of everyday life for millions of people, and many are accessed in new ways, including online.  

“If you experience a side effect, notice a device isn’t working properly, or suspect a fake medical product, please tell us via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. Your report could protect others – and it only takes minutes.” 

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Source: MHRA, 3 November 2025

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MHRA and Genomics England to launch pioneering resource to better understand how genetic makeup influences the safety of medicines

A brand-new genetic research resource, known as a ‘biobank’, will be piloted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in a joint venture with Genomics England to better understand how a patient’s genetic makeup can impact the safety of their medicines.

The Yellow Card biobank, which will contain genetic data and patient samples, will operate alongside the MHRA’s Yellow Card reporting site for suspected side effects and adverse incidents involving medicines and medical devices. It forms part of a long-term vision for more personalised medicine approaches, as scientists will use the repository of genetic information in the biobank to determine whether a side effect from a medicine was caused by a specific genetic trait. This will in turn enable doctors to target prescriptions using rapid screening tests, so patients across the UK will receive the safest medication for them, based on their genetic makeup.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), or side effects, continue to be a significant burden on the NHS and account for one in 16 hospital admissions. Understanding the underlying mechanism of an adverse reaction would support the development of pharmacogenetic testing strategies, such as the screening tests enabled through the information provided by the Yellow Card biobank. These strategies would in turn provide the opportunity to prevent rather than react to adverse drug reactions.

The biobank pilot will officially begin on 1 June 2023 with participant recruitment commencing later this year, on 1 September.

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Source: MHRA, 25 May 2023

 

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MHRA and Department for Education embed medicine safety into school curriculum to empower young people

On World Patient Safety Day (17 September), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is proud to announce a major milestone in its mission to protect public health: for the first time, the importance of medicine safety and how to report side effects of medicines via the Yellow Card scheme is now part of the RSHE statutory guidance for schools in England. 

Working in close partnership with the Department for Education (DfE), the MHRA has successfully embedded this life-saving knowledge into the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance – reaching children and young people in classrooms across the country. 

This bold step puts patient safety into the hands of the next generation, giving them the tools to recognise and report side effects from medicines. 

The curriculum changes are reflected in the statutory guidance, which now links directly to the Yellow Card scheme and a dedicated child-friendly guide tested with over 3,500 children and young people.

The content covers: 

  • What a side effect is.
  • Why it’s important to report problems with medicines.
  • How to submit a Yellow Card report.
  • Who the MHRA are and how they help keep the public safe.

Lawrence Tallon, MHRA Chief Executive, said: 

“This World Patient Safety Day, we’re marking a new era in public health. By equipping young people with knowledge about medicine safety, we’re laying the foundations for a lifetime of safer healthcare. The inclusion of information on how to report side effects via the Yellow Card scheme in schools ensures every child knows that their voice matters in making medicines and devices safer for everyone.” 

Professor Henrietta Hughes, the Patient Safety Commissioner, said: 

“It’s excellent to see Yellow Card reporting on the school curriculum, so more people know how to report possible side effects.  No one knows themselves better than patients and their families.  When we respect and act on what patients say, improved safety from medicines and medical devices will follow.” 

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Source: MHRA, 17 September 2025

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Metropolitan Police: Move to attend fewer mental health calls sparks alarm

The Met Police's plan to stop attending emergency mental health incidents is "potentially alarming", a former inspector of constabulary has said.

From September, officers will only attend mental health 999 calls where there is an "immediate threat to life".

The Met argues the move will free up officers after a significant rise in the number of mental health incidents being dealt with by the force in the past five years.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley wrote to health and social care services in Greater London to inform them of the plan last week.

In the letter, which has been seen by the BBC, Sir Mark said it takes almost 23 hours on average from the point at which someone is detained under the Mental Health Act until they are handed into medical care.

He writes that his officers are spending more than 10,000 hours a month on "what is principally a health matter", adding that police and other social services are "collectively failing patients" by not ensuring they receive appropriate help, as well as failing Londoners more generally because of the effect on police resources.

However Zoe Billingham, who is now chair of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS mental health trust after 12 years as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue, warned mental health services are "creaking" and "in some places are so subdued with demand they are not able to meet the requirements of people who need it most".

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she warned there is "simply no other agency to call" other than the police for people in crisis, adding: "There isn't another agency to step in and fill the vacuum."

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Source: BBC News, 29 May 2023

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Met wins battle with NHS over not attending mental health calls

The Metropolitan police has won its battle to stop attending most of the mental health calls it receives after a tense behind-the-scenes row with the health service, the Guardian has learned.

From 31 October the Met will start implementing a scheme that aims to stop officers being diverted from crime fighting to do work health staff are better trained for.

In May, the Guardian revealed that the Met commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, had written to health and social care leaders setting a deadline of 31 August – leading to furious reaction from health chiefs who wrote to the commissioner protesting that it would put vulnerable people at risk.

The agreement means Rowley will push his deadline for the start of the changes back by two months, before a phased introduction. Health services will not publicly criticise the police decision, and will race to put measures in place to pick up the work.

The scheme is called Right Care Right Person (RCRP), and has been agreed nationally by government departments and national police and health bodies.

The letter sent on Thursday says: “In practice, this means that police call handlers will receive a new prompt relating to welfare checks or when a patient goes absent from health partner inpatient care. The prompt will ask call handlers to check that a police response is required or whether the person’s needs may be better met by a health or care professional.”

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Source: The Guardian, 17 August 2023

 

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Met investigates 'stem-cell autism cure' claim

The Met Police has launched an investigation over concerns about stem-cell injections being offered to children as a cure for autism.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich told BBC London it was aware of concerns surrounding "experimental procedures" on autistic children.

The Met said it was investigating "a reported fraud relating to the provision of medical services".

The National Autistic Society said there was no "cure" for autism.

Greenwich Council said it issued a warning to schools and nurseries in the borough after it became aware of concerns.

A spokesperson said the authority had recently been made aware of concerns that "an individual claiming to be a doctor plans to visit the UK to offer dangerous, experimental procedures on children with autism".

"We understand that this person is proposing the transfer of bone marrow and spinal fluid to the brain by injection," the spokesperson said.

"This unlicensed procedure poses a significant threat to life and there is no evidence of any benefits.

"The safety and welfare of our children and young people is of the utmost importance."

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Source: BBC News, 17 April 2024

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Met intervention ‘will not serve London well’, says ‘very disappointed’ NHSE

NHS England has described the Metropolitan Police commissioner’s warning that his force will stop responding to emergency mental health calls as ‘very disappointing’, HSJ has learned.

Last month, Sir Mark Rowley told NHS and social care chiefs he had instructed his force to withdraw from health-related calls in the capital no later than 31 August – a warning which attracted high-profile media coverage.

Sir Mark stressed the “urgency” of needing to implement a model that originated in Humberside called “right care right person”, where after a year of tense negotiations, police and health services reached an agreement under which many mental health calls are dealt with by health professionals rather than officers.

NHSE’s letter says it agrees with the issues Sir Mark raises, adding it is inappropriate for police to spend significant amounts of time on mental health callouts.

But it adds that the NHS was “very disappointed” to receive the commissioner’s letter, stressing that the problem is better solved in partnership than unilaterally declaring the force will not respond to calls.

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Source: HSJ, 8 June 2023

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Messenger at odds with Javid over NHS diversity jobs

Sajid Javid’s claim that the number of NHS roles dedicated to promoting equality and diversity should be cut is incorrect and not what the government-commissioned review into NHS management recommended, according to its author.

The review by General Sir Gordon Messenger and Leeds Teaching Hospital chair Dame Linda Pollard was published Wednesday.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday evening, the health secretary said: “In my view, there are already too many working in roles focused solely on diversity and inclusion, and at a time when our constituents are facing real pressures around cost of living, we must spend every penny on patients’ priorities.

“As this report sets out, it should be the responsibility of everyone to encourage fairness and equality of opportunity which is why we must reduce the number of these roles.”

Speaking later to HSJ, Mr Javid was asked if there was any area of NHS management cuts should be made.

He said: “I would like to see fewer managers in terms of diversity managers and things, because I think it should actually be done by all management and all leadership, and not contracted out as some kind of tick-box exercise.”

However, when HSJ spoke to General Messenger he said: “The report does not recommend the reduction of EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) professionals.

“What it does say though, is that if one successfully inculcates equality, diversity and inclusion to every leadership’s responsibilities then that becomes an accepted, instinctive, understood part of being a leader and a manager at every level then the requirement for dedicated EDI professionals should reduce over time."

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Source: HSJ, 8 June 2022

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Messages revealed healthcare workers were drugging patients

Two healthcare workers who exchanged vile texts while needless drugging sick people to ‘keep them quiet’ have been found guilty of ill-treating patients.

Senior nurse Catherine Hudson, 54, was found to have regularly tranquillised patients unnecessarily for her own amusement and to have an ‘easy’ shift.

While Charlotte Wilmot, 48, an assistant practitioner, wrote vile texts encouraging her to carry out the dangerous acts, with complete disregard for the consequences.

Preston Crown Court heard the pair worked on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and had carried out needless sedations between 2017 and 2018.

Restrictions on prescription drugs were so lax in the stroke unit that staff would help themselves and self-medicate or steal drugs to supply to others, the court heard.

Drugs such as Zopiclone, a powerful medicine used to treat insomnia, were often stolen and used to drug multiple patients.

Police launched an investigation in November 2018 after a student nurse raised concerns about the treatment of patients in the stroke unit.

A number of staff members were arrested during the course of the investigation and their mobile devices were seized.

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Source: The Independent, 6 October 2023

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Messages and challenge to all participants of the 5th Global Ministerial Patient Safety Summit 2023

Ahead of the 5th Global Ministerial Patient Safety Summit 2023 in Switzerland, the World Patient Safety Epicentre shares three messages and one challenge to the participants attending. 

1. Please think about changing the term Patient Safety to Safety in Healthcare.

2. Please consider creating a World Patient Safety Epicentre Safety, People Solutions – Network and Center(s) of Safety in Healthcare Change,

3. Please invite two people to the discussion.

4. One challenge - Let’s save 155 patients by 17 September 2023 in each country.

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Mesh victims still wait for financial compensation

Women harmed by pelvic mesh implants are still waiting for government compensation a year after a major report, external called for urgent action.

Patient safety commissioner Dr Henrietta Hughes, who made that recommendation, called it "an injustice" for the thousands of lives destroyed.

Some women were left in permanent pain, unable to walk, work or have sex, after the surgery to treat incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

The government says it remains "fully focused" on how best to support patients and prevent harm.

A Department of Health and Social Care official said: "Our sympathies are with those affected.

"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."

Dr Hughes said: "It is very disappointing that women who have suffered so much harm are still waiting for redress.

"They need redress now and the government must act immediately."

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Source: BBC News, 7 February 2025

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Mesh victims ‘still fighting for justice’ five years on from review

Women harmed by vaginal mesh are “still fighting for justice”, campaigners have said on the fifth anniversary of a review into the scandal.

Sling the Mesh, a campaign group representing women harmed by mesh, accused governments of “dragging their feet” on implementing all the recommendations set out in the report.

The review examined how the health service responded to concerns over pelvic mesh – which has been linked to crippling, life-changing complications including chronic pain, infections and loss of sex life; the anti-epilepsy drug sodium valproate – which has been linked to physical malformations, autism and developmental delay in many children when it is taken by their mothers during pregnancy, and hormone pregnancy tests such as Primodos – which are thought to be associated with birth defects and miscarriages.

It concluded that patients came to “avoidable harm” because the healthcare system failed to respond in a speedy and appropriate way when serious concerns were raised about some medical treatments.

The First Do No Harm review, published in 2020, found patients were “dismissed” and “overlooked”, while the healthcare system had a “glacial” and “defensive” response to concerns over treatments.

It set out a series of recommendations, but campaigners have said that to date, some three of the nine recommendations set out in the review have been implemented.

One of the key recommendations of the report was the appointment of a Patient Safety Commissioner, who would be an “independent public leader with a statutory responsibility”.

A commissioner was appointed, but following the Government’s 10-year plan for health last week, it has been confirmed that this role will be transferred into the MHRA.

Ms Sansom said: “Moving the Patient Safety Commissioner role to the MHRA silences the patient voice instead of strengthening it.

“It strips away independence, undermines trust, and betrays the very women this role was created to protect.”

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Source: Yahoo News, 8 July 2025

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Mesh surgery women not given accurate advice, says report

Women who underwent mesh surgery were not given accurate information before the life-altering procedure, a case review has found.

The study also said poor communication between patients and doctors led, in some cases, to mistrust.

Medical notes were often misleading or did not detail the surgery that had occurred or its outcomes.

The review spent two years looking at the cases of 18 women who received transvaginal mesh implants.

It has now called for a comprehensive register to be set up to keep track of women who have had operations to remove mesh in Scotland, abroad and privately.

The Transvaginal Mesh Case Record Review by Glasgow Caledonian University makes a series of other recommendations, including:

  • Better aftercare following surgery
  • Clear language so patients understand exactly what surgery is going to achieve.

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Source: BBC News, 21 June 2023

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Mesh surgeries to be halted in New Zealand because of safety concerns

The use of surgical mesh to treat a common childbirth injury is now suspended in New Zealand because of safety concerns.

The extraordinary step, which follows a similar move in the United Kingdom, was announced today by Te Whatu Ora.

It is being celebrated by a woman who spearheaded a campaign to highlight the harrowing mesh injuries suffered by her and many other Kiwi women. “It is an acknowledgement that their concerns were not just in their heads,” Sally Walker told the Herald. “It will give us some hope.”

About 100 women around the country who are on waiting lists for urogynaecological surgeries involving mesh are being contacted by doctors to tell them their operations for stress urinary incontinence are on hold.

The Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati said the Surgical Mesh Roundtable (MRT), an oversight and monitoring group chaired by the Ministry of Health, had been investigating a “pause” since earlier this year.

The group’s assessment was that the balance of benefit and harm from the procedure would be improved by the series of additional measures already planned, and it recommended a pause until those measures were substantively in place.

“After considering the MRT’s assessment, I have decided to support a pause to allow the following steps to be put in place to reduce the harms linked to the procedure as much as possible,” said Sarfati.

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Source: NZ Herald, 22 August 2023

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Mesh surgeon fails in bid to stop legal action against trust being made public

A leading colorectal surgeon whose former employer, North Bristol NHS Trust, faces negligence claims from dozens of his ex-patients has failed in his bid to keep legal action he is taking against the trust a secret.

A review by the trust found that 203 women on whom the surgeon Tony Dixon performed pelvic mesh procedures between 2007 and 2017 came to harm. The trust faces legal claims from many of them.

Trust board members were told in May that the trust had notified the 203 women that “although their laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy operation was carried out satisfactorily, they should have been offered alternative treatments before proceeding to surgery,” and that those patients were defined as suffering “harm.”

Dixon sued the trust in the High Court to try to stop it releasing two documents to solicitors acting for ex-patients, as part of the disclosure process in litigation. 

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Source: BMJ, 27 July 2022

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