APOLOGY TO PELVIC MESH VICTIMS

Labor welcomes the Federal Government’s apology to sufferers of pelvic mesh implants.

Labor congratulates the many women who gave evidence to the Senate inquiry into pelvic mesh implants for their bravery in sharing their stories of often harrowing pain and distress.

 

The important thing now is that this does not happen again.

 

Whilst welcome, today’s response is long overdue, with the inquiry report having been tabled on March 28.

 

The inquiry attracted considerable interest with five public hearings held around Australia. Over 500 submissions were received, no doubt due to the many women who have suffered awful consequences since receiving a mesh implant.

  

Improvements to the adverse event reporting system for medical devices is welcome and the inclusion of new Medicare item numbers for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse and removal of mesh implants are an important start.

 

Many women will however continue to deal with the health consequences of their mesh implant for the remainder of their lives and need to be supported.

 

We note that patient groups were hoping for tighter regulation of mesh devices and for reporting to be compulsory.