News article
The Ministry of Health has released a report detailing the harm surgical mesh has caused New Zealand men and women: Hearing and Responding to the Stories of Survivors of Surgical Mesh.
The report commissioned from Victoria University’s Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice follows a restorative process undertaken this year to hear from people affected by surgical mesh complications.
The Ministry’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Simpson and Chief Nursing Officer Margareth Broodkoorn who attended forums with those affected acknowledge the severity of the harm and the impact on people's lives.
‘While there is increasing awareness, both in New Zealand and overseas, about the complications and risks associated with the use of surgical mesh, this process was about ensuring the voices and experiences of those affected were heard,’ says Dr Simpson.
‘It has been confronting hearing their stories and the pain and anguish experienced. Surgical mesh has had a life-changing impact for many people – that’s very clear.
‘The report summarises these and provides a clear picture of the harms, injuries and needs.’
As part of the restorative process a number of key agencies from across the health sector met last month to determine next steps and actions to respond to the harms and needs. Actions agreed to as part of this meeting are included in the report.
Ms Broodkoorn says the Ministry is committed to progressing these actions and working with other agencies to support those who've been affected and minimise future harm.
‘One need identified by participants in the forums was for specialist mesh clinics to provide services and support for those who experience complications. That’s something the Ministry is committed to delivering on and next month, we’ll get a group of clinicians and sector representatives together to determine what the shape of that will look like.
‘In January we will also be establishing a credentialing committee to investigate how best to ensure even more thorough credentialing of surgeons.’
‘This has been an incredibly tough journey for so many people, and there is more to do yet.
‘Today's report is a further step in acknowledging and repairing the harm caused by surgical mesh and we would like to acknowledge our co-design partners Mesh Down Under who've advocated for many years for people harmed by mesh.’