Woman in Constant Pain Urges Government Action on Vaginal Mesh Redress
A woman from Belfast who underwent a vaginal mesh implant to address prolapse and urinary incontinence has reported living in "constant pain" and is urging the government to establish a firm deadline for a redress scheme.
Susan McLarnon is among several women traveling to Downing Street to deliver a letter to the prime minister, requesting "urgent action" on compensation for individuals harmed by pelvic mesh implants.
Some women have been left with permanent pain, unable to walk, work, or engage in sexual activity following surgery intended to treat incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
The UK Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the "significant impact" these implants have had on patients and their families.
Despite a major report issued two years ago calling for urgent measures, campaigners remain awaiting progress.
The government stated it is "carefully considering" the report’s recommendations and plans to provide an update in due course.
'Excruciating Pain'
McLarnon recounted that prior to her 2016 surgery, she was told the procedure to fix the prolapse was "easy" and simple, but she was not informed about the risks involved.
"I walked into the hospital able-bodied and came out in crutches," she told NI.
Following the surgery, she experienced "excruciating pain." Over subsequent years, her mobility and ability to perform daily tasks such as washing, dressing, and driving have been impaired.
Although she underwent surgery to remove the mesh, it was not fully extracted, and the pain persists.
McLarnon is part of Sling the Mesh NI, a group comprising nearly 700 women affected by mesh implants. She considers herself "one of the lucky ones."
"Others have lost organs, had to sell their homes, and experienced relationship breakdowns," she said.
She also highlighted that men are affected by mesh implants used for hernias, suffering similar pain but often reluctant to speak out due to the personal nature of the issue.
"They suffer the same but it's hard to get men to speak out as they don't like to speak about personal things – but they are also in excruciating pain," she added.
Dr Henrietta Hughes, in her report, recommended initial payments of £20,000 be made to women across the UK injured by mesh implants.
Calls have been made for the Northern Ireland Executive to establish a compensation scheme for women harmed by pelvic mesh implants.
"The redress is not just about compensation," McLarnon said. "It will help those who are on waiting lists to see surgeons for removal or go privately."
What is Vaginal and Hernia Mesh?
Surgical mesh is a medical device used to support the vagina and organs such as the bladder, rectum, or urethra.
Vaginal mesh implants are primarily used in women, while hernia mesh is used in men.
For many years, mesh was considered the gold standard treatment for incontinence and prolapse in women.
However, the net-like implant can erode and harden, cutting through tissue and causing severe pain and damage to organs.
Some patients have been left in permanent pain, unable to walk, work, or have sex.
Kath Sansom, founder of Sling The Mesh, who will present the letter at Downing Street alongside MP Sharon Hodgson and others, stated that pelvic mesh had "stolen women's health, irreversibly ruined their quality of life, their independence, and their future."
She and other campaigners are demanding a timeline for a government-funded compensation scheme for all women harmed by pelvic mesh, including rectopexy mesh.
How Many People in Northern Ireland Were Adversely Affected by Mesh Implants?
The exact number of women in Northern Ireland adversely affected by mesh implants is unclear.
While many operations have been successful, it is estimated that hundreds require mesh removal.
An audit report from Northern Ireland indicates that between 1998 and 2018, approximately 11,000 vaginal mesh implants were performed, with a conservative estimate of 5-10% experiencing complications.
The audit also found that data collection within local health trusts was inadequate.
What Has Northern Ireland's Department of Health Said?
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland acknowledged the prolonged wait for a response to the Hughes Report recommendations by those harmed by pelvic mesh.
However, it noted that medical devices and medicines remain reserved matters for Westminster.
Consequently, the department stated it is "unable to move forward on this matter whilst the UK Government formulates its position in response to the recommendations."
The department also noted that Professor Hughes wrote to the prime minister in March requesting a clear timetable for delivering financial redress without further delay.
