Janet Finch-Saunders AM has called on the Welsh Government to implement a ban on the use of vaginal mesh.

The Member for Aberconwy also requested that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well-being – Vaughan Gething AM – undertakes a full audit into the effects of the net-like implant, which has caused such controversy amongst patients.

Janet said:

“I am aware of a number of patients who have had been treated with this mesh, or tape – almost as a ‘quick-fix’ measure – and experienced considerable pain and discomfort some months or years afterwards. In some cases, it has become quite debilitating – severely impacting on their day-to-day life.

“My worry here is that the report simply doesn’t address the concerns raised by patients – many of whom have actually called for a ban in the use of this mesh.

“I do welcome some of the recommendations of the report in terms of the improved services for pelvic pain in Health Boards across Wales. However, I am concerned that North Wales residents with more complex mesh complications will still be forced to travel to Manchester, in the absence of the relevant uro-gynaecologist and urology specialists. I will continue to press the Welsh Government on improved recruitment and retention of specialist medical staff for North Wales.”

ENDS

Notes

A full transcript of the Plenary Statement on 08/05/2018 is available here: http://record.assembly.wales/