NHS Scotland deal signed for mesh removal surgery in US

The Scottish government has signed a contract to allow NHS patients to visit a US expert for mesh removal surgery.

Patients can book appointments with Dr Dionysios Veronikis in Missouri with their travel and accommodation costs paid for by the NHS.

The cost of each procedure is estimated to be £16,000 to £23,000.

Transvaginal implant use was stopped in Scotland after hundreds of women were left with painful, life-changing side effects.

NHS National Services Scotland said it would work with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and local health boards to take forward arrangements for those who wish to travel to the US for the procedure.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "I fully understand that women want mesh removal surgery undertaken by surgeons who enjoy their full confidence and a range of measures are now in place to ensure this happens.

"I am determined to ensure that those with mesh complications get the treatment they want and need."

Read full story

Source: BBC News, 12 July 2022