Mesh campaigners call for urgent action on financial compensation

Women who were harmed after being fitted with mesh have “faced silence” for a year after a major report said there was a “clear case for redress”, a campaigner has said.

A report by the Patient Safety Commissioner highlighted thousands of women’s lives were “destroyed” due to pelvic mesh.

Kath Sansom, founder of the Sling the Mesh campaign group, called on the Government to urgently act on the report’s findings.

Ms Sansom told the PA news agency that women’s lives have been “irreparably damaged” by mesh, with many unable to work or reduce their hours due to chronic pain and disability.

But despite this, no compensation scheme has been put in place to help those affected, Ms Sansom said.

Ms Sansom said: “For a year, we have waited for action, but all we’ve received is silence.

“The Hughes Report made it clear that financial redress is essential.

“It is unacceptable that the Government continues to turn a blind eye to women who have lost their health, their jobs, and their quality of life through no fault of their own.

“The time for excuses is over – we need action now.”

Transvaginal mesh implants were used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence after childbirth.

However, in some cases they have caused debilitating harm to some women.

Side effects have included infection, pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, pain during sex and incontinence.

The Patient Safety Commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, said there is a “clear case for redress” for thousands of women and children affected by vaginal mesh implants and sodium valproate.

She said the Government should create a two-stage financial redress scheme – an interim scheme and a main scheme.

An interim award of £25,000 was the “median amount patients said would be appropriate”, the Commissioner said.

This would be followed by a main scheme with payouts based on the individual needs of each patient.

MP Sharon Hodgson, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for First Do Harm, said: “A year on from the publication of the Hughes Report which calls for a redress scheme for women impacted by the mesh and valproate scandals – the Government are yet to issue a response.

“I will not rest until these thousands of women and families get the justice they deserve.

“They have been let down by a system supposed to protect them and as a result will suffer lifelong physical and mental barriers – they will never be the same again.

“While financial compensation cannot reverse this damage, it would at least provide confirmation to them that – contrary to the gaslighting and dismissal they have received – they were right to raise concerns, that they were wronged, that it wasn’t their fault, and that they deserve better.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The harm caused by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh continues to be felt today. Our sympathies are with those affected and we are fully focused on how best to support patients and prevent future harm.

“This is a complex area of work and Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron met with some of those affected before Christmas, and has committed to providing an update to the Patient Safety Commissioner at the earliest opportunity.”

Published: 07/02/2025 by Radio NewsHub