Women who paid to have transvaginal mesh removed by a private provider can now apply for reimbursement.
Written by Malcolm Finlayson on 24/05/2022
The ALLIANCE is pleased that the Mesh Reimbursement Fund will open for application on 6 June 2022. This scheme follows the passing of the Transvaginal Mesh Removal (Cost Reimbursement) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament in January 2022.
The Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme will enable women who have paid for surgery to claim their money back. To be eligible, arrangements for treatment must be made by 3 June. For more information see here.
The ALLIANCE would like to extend thanks to the women who worked closely with us to ensure that the Bill and the Scheme were reflective of the lived experience of those that it would apply to.
In July 2021 and October 2021 the ALLIANCE hosted focus group discussions with six women who had paid for private mesh removal. Women generously shared their experiences, priorities and suggestions for the Scheme. Their feedback was shared with the Scottish Government to support the development of the Scheme.
The ALLIANCE, alongside the six women, also provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee in October 2021 in their capacity in scrutinising the Reimbursement Bill.
Irene Oldfather, ALLIANCE Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships, says:
“Thank you to all women who have taken time to tell their stories and make this happen. The ALLIANCE is really pleased to have worked with women to achieve this outcome which will give women themselves choice and control.”
