I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 174 and 199 together.
The Chief Medical Officer of my Department has met and is engaging with the treating clinics with a view to ensuring that best practice and patient support is paramount in the service provided to concerned recipients of PIP implants. He has discussed the concerns raised by affected clients including access to surgeons for consultation and the provision of full medical records in relation to one of the treating clinics.
The provider concerned has advised that it is addressing the Chief Medical Officer's concerns and is developing a new care plan to provide for an early surgical consultation for all women who have received PIP breast implants, with the option of breast implant removal. The removal of implants will be prioritised according to whether a rupture has occurred or not. Significant detail remains to be clarified and the Chief Medical Officer is continuing to engage with this provider, who has assured him that it accepts that it has a duty of care to the women concerned and that it is fully dedicated to helping its clients as much as it can.
Finally, I must reiterate that the resolution of the implants issue has to be between provider and client and an appropriate solution found between the parties; my Department will continue to encourage all parties to reach an acceptable solution for all concerned.