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Petitioner submission of 25 January 2022

PE1865/ZZZ - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

I agree with everything written from the Shouldice hospital.  These are world renowned surgeons with the most experience worldwide.  They have collected data.  They use mesh and natural tissue but as they state they use mesh in roughly 2% of their surgeries. I would however like to ask the petition committee to go back to the shouldice hospital for their expert opinion on the protacks that are used to hold mesh in place.  I do not think these have been addressed yet and there is a need for this to be asked.  

I do not see how the Scottish Government can dismiss this evidence.  In my opinion, the data they have here in Scotland is flawed.  They addressed a question from Jackie Baillie just last year saying they don't hold the data in question about hernia/rectopexy mesh operations or removals.  Yet only a few months later Marie Todd attended the petitions committee meeting and gave data?  I've asked time and time again where they got this data? No response.  

Also the reporting on the use of hernia mesh by the STG I find flawed. They are only looking at reoccurrence but not the detrimental effect it has on us as patients.  How can they continue to say that mesh is safe?  These devices are removed from the market over and over again.  Lawsuits against manufacturers.  New meshies brought to the market based on previous failed meshies due to a failing 510K process with the FDA.  These devices aren't tested and placed in us humans and when there are issues no one can help us.  

We are going to have a growing number of this population with all sorts of health issues on the back of these devices.  A health system that's already over stretched and the issue is getting worse as these are still being implanted.  I ask the Scottish Government to stop trying to save money by implanting these horrendous devices and train surgeons in natural tissue repair reducing complications and the need for extensive services after these implants are placed.  It will save the NHS money in the long run.  We won't lose a working population because a huge percentage of us mesh patients can no longer work.  

I urge the Scottish Government to open their eyes and look at the loss of our lives instead of the cost in their pocket.  How much is a life worth?  

I have heard of one mesh patient who has died. I think it's very important within this petition that we address the issues faced with mesh patients and our primary care providers.  

A fellow campaigner and mesh patient wrote to relevant bodies regarding primary care.  The response back was primary care providers do not need to learn about other issues ie mesh and chronic pain we face unless it's an interest to them.  

We are calling the Scottish Government to sit down and speak with us.  To help change one policy within GP practices that at least one colleague learns about mesh and chronic pain.  This will in turn help us feel supported and listened to.  Also for our GPs to better support and understand us.  Mesh is a huge issue as is the chronic pain surrounding it.  GPs aren't 100% sure what to do with patients.  Most cases with GPs telling us it's in our heads.  This is because they don't understand the circumstances around our issues and what we face.  

I believe there has to be a policy around this in place to support us all.  Then the GP would be better equipped as to where we need to be referred to and what more they could do to support us.  Instead of causing more mental health issues within us patients who are already suffering.  This needs to be a partnership.  There is still learning to do.  

I urge the Scottish Government to meet with us and discuss these issue as a matter of urgency prevent anymore premature deaths. I also ask for an independent review into the use of mesh if the Scottish Government still won't listen to this evidence and also a suspension until they do a review.  

I am disgusted that the Scottish Government have issued a notice on 25.1.2022 for an apparent contract with hernia mesh manufacturers worth over £3 million pounds for the supply of hernia mesh and other fixation devices.  That money could have been spent on teaching natural tissue repair etc and while knowing we have a petition sat in parliament against its use.