In 2023 the HSE established a National Vaginal Mesh Implant Oversight Group to oversee vaginal mesh implants in our HSE acute hospitals in terms of both primary implant surgery and tertiary complications services. The focus of this group was to review and assess implementation of the recommendations as set out in the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO’s) report on The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures and assess the appropriateness of resuming uro-gynaecological mesh procedures, cognisant of international developments and approaches in this complex area.
Membership of the HSE National Vaginal Mesh Implant Oversight Group included three patient partners, one of whom was awaiting treatment, and two of whom had received treatment.
The Department has recently received a report from the HSE’s National Vaginal Mesh Implant Oversight Group. My officials are currently examining the report and liaising with their counterparts in the HSE to ensure comprehensive implementation of the CMO’s recommendations.