More than 100 women in England get undisclosed vaginal mesh payouts

By Storm Newton, Reporter19th August 2024News EnglandCare Standards, Courts / Justice, News England, NHS

More than 100 women in England who suffered complications from vaginal mesh implants have been given payouts as part of a group settlement.

It is understood the undisclosed settlement figure could potentially run into millions of pounds.

Transvaginal mesh (TVM) implants were used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence after childbirth.

However, in some cases they have caused debilitating harm to some women.

Side-effects have included infection, pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, pain during sex, and incontinence.

The actions by the group were brought against Johnson & Johnson, Bard, and Boston Scientific at the High Court in London.

Lisa Lunt (pictured), a partner at law firm Pogust Goodhead, which led the litigation, said: “Women implanted with transvaginal mesh have experienced years of chronic pain and suffering.

“Hundreds of women were prevented from making a claim due to strict 10-year time limits that are in force from the date that the product was manufactured.

“It’s about time that the Government took action to increase the time limits.”

In April 2018, then-health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced a review into the use of vaginal mesh following concerns raised by affected women.

Use of the implants was suspended in July 2018 and they are now only used as a last resort through a high vigilance programme of restricted practice.

Each of the companies involved in the litigation confirmed the actions had been resolved without admission of liability.

Ms Lunt added: “As a firm we were pleased to represent clients who had been previously turned down by other firms and reach a conclusion in their claims.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Our sympathies are with the women affected by vaginal mesh implants.

“We are carefully considering the recommendations of the review into this issue, and ministers have already met with the Patient Safety Commissioner to discuss next steps.

“This highlights the devastating consequences of previous failures across the health system, and this government recognises that significant improvements in patient safety are needed to restore public confidence.”