NHS Resolution: How do you know if you can make a vaginal mesh claim?

Summary

Mesh complications are rare and in most cases relatively minor. However, in a small number of cases they can be serious. These include mesh erosion/extrusion (when the mesh pokes through the vaginal wall or cuts through internal tissue), vaginal scarring, fistula formation, painful sex, bladder infection or perforation (piercing), bowel and nerve trauma and pelvic, back and leg pains. Some of these complications may occur years after surgery and can be difficult to treat. Serious complications are rare, given the tens of thousands of women who have had the implants, but can be life-changing for some women.

As a result of concerns raised by mesh-affected women, in April 2018 the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Hunt MP, announced a review into the use of vaginal mesh. The review was led by Baroness Julia Cumberlege and recommendations made in the report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) “First Do No Harm”.

The Government published its response to the IMMDS Review in July 2021.

Content

If you have had vaginal mesh surgery as an NHS patient in England and have suffered any of the above symptoms/problems, you may be able to make a claim against the NHS. In addition to side effects, you may be able to claim for implants that were not inserted correctly and/or on the basis that you were given the wrong information or advice.

On the NHS Resolution website you can find more information on making a claim and details of organisations which can help you find a medical negligence solicitor who can guide you through the process and let you know if you have a valid claim.