Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
539. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to instances of mesh-injured women who availed of removal services abroad on the understanding they would be reimbursed; if these women will be reimbursed; if they will receive relevant aftercare; the steps he has taken to improve removal and aftercare services in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60056/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWomen’s health is a priority for this Government and since this matter emerged, the ongoing priority focus for both the Department and the HSE has been to meet the care needs of women experiencing mesh complications. Although it is not appropriate for me to comment on individual cases, I wish to assure you that my Department has ongoing engagement with the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme in relation to matters related to women who have suffered mesh complications including availability of mesh removal for women in Ireland.
Regarding steps taken to improve services in this jurisdiction, I wish to advise that since concerns about mesh complications came to attention in late 2017, both my Department and the HSE have been working to prioritise the provision of necessary services for women who have suffered complications from the use of mesh implants. In 2020 a national multidisciplinary mesh specialist service for women suffering from mesh complications was established across two centres, Cork University Maternity Hospital and the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. This multidisciplinary service includes access to a range of medical specialities including Consultant Gynaecology, Consultant Urology, Consultant Colorectal, Consultant Pain Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Psychologist and Specialist Physiotherapy and these centres have received specific funding from the HSE for provision of these services.
The HSE have advised my Department that they are engaging with stakeholders to provide a solution for patients who have exhausted the services in this jurisdiction, provided the clinicians feel the patient will benefit from further intervention. Department officials are continuing to engage with the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme in this regard.
I note that the further aspects of this Parliamentary Question, regarding reimbursement and provision of aftercare to individuals, relate to operational matters, and I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
