Campaigners have spoken out about the need for a patient safety commissioner in Wales to represent women who have suffered life-altering injuries due to pelvic mesh implants. The comments come following Dr Henrietta Hughes, England’s patient safety commissioner, recommendations for financial support for those affected by the implantations and families of children disabled by an epilepsy drug. Jemima Williams, a victim of the implants for over twenty years, believes that a similar role in Wales is necessary to ensure that patients are heard.
Williams, who has undergone many surgeries due to the implants, is still in excruciating pain. Many women affected by the implants lose everything, including their homes and families, as a result of lifelong injuries that leave them physically disabled. Williams’ call for help and support was backed up by Karen Preater, who has written to the government in Wales requesting a patient safety commissioner. Preater has fought to have her voice heard and to receive medical support after mesh implants left her in constant pain for ten years.
The British Medical Association called for parliament in February to ban pelvic mesh implants, noting that they had “compromised the safety of women”. The area has seen further controversy following a ruling last year by a Scottish court, which found that the use of transvaginal mesh was not fit for purpose, with similar judgements later made in the UK and the US. Campaigners have called for more compensation for women who have experienced loss as a result of medical negligence.
However, a representative for the Welsh government noted that no plans for a patient safety commissioner existed, citing other commitments to patient safety, including the continuity of care and a new citizen voice body. Treatment with vaginal mesh for prolapse and stress urinary incontinence has been on hiatus since 2018, whilst valproate is not prescribed in pregnancy in Wales
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More