Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1705. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the progress regarding the full removal of mesh implants in Ireland; the progress regarding compensation for persons who have suffered as a result of mesh implants or partial and improper removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/21]
View answerI understand that complications from a mesh implant are very distressing and painful for those women involved. I would like to emphasise that the ongoing priority focus of my Department and the HSE has been to put the necessary structures in place so that women affected by mesh complications can be referred to the new national mesh centres and seen for treatment in a timely fashion, bearing in mind the current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and requirements of public health guidance.
The national mesh complications care pathway has been in place since November 2018 providing multidisciplinary specialist services for women suffering from mesh complications across two sites at Cork University Hospital (CUMH) and National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Dublin. Funding of €500,000 per hospital has been approved for CUMH and the NMH to establish these mesh specialist centres and recruitment is on-going. Both of these centres have been accepting referrals and treat women suffering with post mesh complications.
Furthermore, under the HSE National Service Plan 2021, funding has been provided to enhance and improve gynaecology services which will include funding for mesh services. This funding will enable the implementation of additional specialist services, which will support ongoing work to implement the recommendations from the CMO’s Report on the Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures (November, 2018).
Women affected by mesh continue to be strongly encouraged to engage with the relevant HSE contact points and the associated care pathways, to ensure that their service needs can be identified and provided for. A dedicated webpage about vaginal mesh implants, including contact information regarding the pathways for women suffering complications has been published on the HSE website. National mesh administrators have been recruited in each of the two special centres to provide central contact point services.
Recognising the importance of the health service listening to and learning from patients’ experiences, I am anxious that women affected by mesh complications have the opportunity to have their voices heard and share their experiences to inform learning and women’s health policy. This will also enable the health services to better understand women’s experiences and respond to the care needs of women and tailor service delivery and supports to meet requirements. My Department is developing a process for an independent, compassionate engagement with the women affected, taking account of the wider context relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women's health is a Government priority, as outlined in the Programme for Government. Budget 2021 and the HSE National Service Plan 2021 provide significant investment in services that are important to women, including gynaecology services. A Women’s Health Fund is also provided for, which will support proposals arising from the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce to improve women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare.
