Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has progressed plans for a £1 million fund to help support women who have experienced mesh complications. This scheme will be open for applications from 1 July 2020.

To apply for a one-off £1,000 payment, women must have received a transvaginal mesh implant, either from or on behalf of an NHS Scotland Health Board, and have experienced complications as a result of that implant.

Women are entitled to claim if they have, at their own expense, had to pay for emotional or practical support. This could include, purchasing self-care items like incontinence pads or if they have had to undertake considerable travel as a result of their condition.

The scheme will be run by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) and application forms will soon be available online via NHS Inform at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/non-surgical-procedures/transvaginal-mesh-implants

Applications must be completed any point up to 31 May 2021 to ensure confirmation and payment ahead of the closing date of 30 June 2021. Should an eligible applicant be unable to complete an application form, their representative can do so on their behalf.

The Scottish Government will make every effort to ensure that affected women are made aware of this fund.

It is important to stress again that the scheme is not intended to represent compensation for any perceived wrongdoing by the NHS, Health Boards in Scotland nor any of their employees. Officials are communicating with the Department of Work and Pensions to confirm that this payment will not replace any benefits for anyone who is unable to work as a result of their condition. We will also communicate with HMRC about the intention behind the fund and its treatment for tax purposes.

The views of women themselves have been key to our approach and we hope this fund will help those women affected.