The Scottish government is encouraging women across Scotland to claim back the costs for transvaginal mesh removal through its scheme before the end of this month.

Originally introduced two years ago, the reimbursement scheme looks to cover the costs of private mesh removal.

Back in January 2021, the Scottish government said it was looking at treatment possibilities “outwith NHS Scotland” for women suffering the complications of NHS Scotland surgical mesh implants.

Now, any women who have not claimed back the cost of private mesh removal arranged before 3rd of June 2022 are being encouraged to do so ahead of the planned closure of the scheme.

Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto says she urges anyone who may be eligible for reimbursement to apply before 31^st of March:

“Many women who have been impacted by complications after having had transvaginal mesh implanted have experienced immense pain and suffering.

“It is important that women who are eligible to apply to the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme are not left out of pocket, which is why the Scottish government extended the scheme.”

Alongside the reimbursement scheme, a National Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service was established in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for women who had not yet been treated.

This provided treatment options while an NHS England specialist referral process was opened for anyone who wished to be seen outside of Scotland – marking a “significant milestone”, according to Humza Yousaf.

The reimbursement scheme has been dedicated to covering historic costs prior to these services being available.

The government now says the closure of the scheme later this month will not have any effect on the arrangements now in place for women to have surgery with private providers.

These arrangements cover treatments in the UK and the US through the National Complex Mesh Removal Referral Pathway, which will continue to be arranged and paid for by the NHS.

As announced in the parliament in October 2023, the scheme for women to claim back the cost of private mesh removal surgery will close to new applications at the end of March.

The scheme was due to close in December 2023 but the Scottish government extended to give women a final chance to apply.

Read more: Major breakthrough for mesh patients; Government signs mesh deal with Missouri surgeon; Mesh women could be offered care outside Scotland; New qualification proposed from mesh surgeons; US mesh expert to give evidence to MSPs

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