David Cullinane
Question:160. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the additional actions he plans to take to provide redress for mesh-injured persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3707/22]
View answerWednesday, 26 January 2022
Questions (160)
Written answers
I understand that complications from a mesh implant can be very distressing and painful for the women experiencing them. Since concerns about mesh complications came to the attention of the Department in late 2017, the ongoing priority focus for both the Department and the HSE has been to meet the care needs of women experiencing mesh complications.
Considerable work has been done and continues to progress in Ireland in relation to the safe use of mesh implants and ensuring that all women who develop mesh-related complications receive high quality, multi-disciplinary and patient-centred care is a priority for the Minister and the Department.
Regarding steps taken to improve services in Ireland, multidisciplinary specialist services, including trans-labial scanning facilities, are now available for women suffering from mesh complications through a national multidisciplinary mesh specialist service which was established in 2020 across two centres, Cork University Maternity Hospital and the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. These centres also have two National Mesh administrators, based in each centre, available to assist patients with their appointments and navigate the service.
Women's health is a Government priority, as outlined in the Programme for Government. Budget 2022 and the HSE National Service Plan 2022 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.