Humza Yousaf

Last month the Scottish government announced the cost of private surgery to remove transvaginal mesh will be reimbursed under a proposed new law.

The Transvaginal Mesh Removal (Cost Reimbursement) (Scotland) Bill will establish a scheme to reimburse those who have paid privately to undergo mesh removal surgery.

Contracts have been awarded to Spire Health Care in Bristol and the Mercy Hospital in Missouri America, where Dr Dionysios Veronikis performs surgery.

NHS National Services Scotland invited tenders from appropriately qualified surgeons to carry out mesh removal where patients wish it to take place outside of the NHS. Surgery and travel costs to either clinic will also be covered. The contracts are expected to start later this summer.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “While mesh removal surgery is available within Scotland on the NHS, these are alternative options for those who feel unable to be treated in Scotland.

“We recognise the pain and suffering of women who have been impacted by complications as a result of transvaginal mesh implants. That is why we are absolutely determined to ensure those with mesh complications get the treatment that they want and need.”