The Therapeutic Goods Administration has decided to remove the use of mesh products in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and single incision mini-slings which is used to treat urinary incontinence.

This follows on from the announcement earlier in the week that NICE, (the UK watchdog) will recommend that mesh should be banned as a routine treatment for prolapse and should only be used for research purposes.

Dr Victoria Handley stated that “The announcement in Australia is helps other countries realise that the complications from surgical mesh implants are far worse than is documented and there is no longer a justification for its use. The Government should now suspend all pelvic mesh implants while a retrospective audit is carried out and set up a compensatory scheme with rehabilitation to help women with the far reaching comlications that they now face”.

This year Sky News reported that some medical professionals believe vaginal mesh is a bigger health disaster than the Thalidomide scandal, and more than 500 women are suing the manufacturers of vaginal mesh implants after experiencing serious complications. Hundreds more are suing hospitals for using mesh as a first line treatment and failing to warn of the risks and complications.

An all-party parliamentary group led by MP Owen Smith is reviewing the use of mesh implants and calling for its suspension while more investigation into its safety takes place.

What you can do now

If you have mesh complications then complete the MHRA Yellow Card scheme to register your complications. This adds to the figures, information on complications and the impact of them and aids research.

If you wish to bring a claim for compensation then please call FREE on 0800 470 2009 or email Dr Victoria Handley directly vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk

We have an all female team to help you discuss the details and feel confident that you are speaking to Solicitors who know the facts and medicine involved.