SINN Féin Health spokesperson Sandra Duffy has urged the Department of Health to explore advice and assistance from international experts on how services for women injured by mesh can be improved.
The Derry councillor hailed a decision by the Scottish government to bring on board leading expert Dr Dionysios K. Veronikis to provide advice and treatment for patients.
Said Cllr Duffy: “Moves by the Scottish government to bring on board an international expert to provide treatment, advice and training is a significant and welcome development for those injured by mesh implants in Scotland.
“A similar offer has been made to help women injured by mesh in the north but the Department deferred any decision subject to findings of any work commissioned by the Scottish Health Minister.
“We have established a dedicated mesh clinic in Belfast but the waiting time following referral is still too long and too few surgeons here are trained in mesh removal.
“I am urging the Department to explore, alongside the Scottish government, the potential to secure additional support from international experts for women in the North.”
