Ms Margaret Byrne:

I will speak on behalf of Terri Martin. I thank the committee for inviting members of Mesh Survivors Ireland to speak here today. I also thank Amanda and Terri. This is the opening statement of Terri Martin, advocate for Mesh Survivors Ireland of mesh-injured patients. I thank the joint committee for inviting Margaret, Louise and me to appear as representatives for the Mesh Survivors Ireland group and Mary and her representatives on behalf of the Mesh Ireland group, to collaborate on the much-needed aftercare and supports that are required to assist in our daily living needs following these life-limiting medical procedures.

As members are aware, our journey in respect of the specialist aftercare relating to this medical injury began here in Leinster House in late 2017. Much has been discussed and achieved since then. Following all the delays relating to the global pandemic, the lifting of the unprecedented restrictions relating to it means that we can now have an honest and open discussion on all the suggested recommendations contained in the Chief Medical Officer’s 2018 report and the HSE’s implementation plan for mesh injury.

Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted for the majority of people. However, mesh-injured patients will never have the opportunity to enjoy the same quality of life again. We are extremely grateful for the support that the Government has given us to date, for our issues being heard and for all the background work that has been done in terms of the review of this horrific infliction. As recipients of this failed procedure, we are saddened to report that although there have been learning reports, CMO reports, implementation plans and advisory committees, nothing has changed. We still live with the after-effects of mesh injury limiting our quality of life. As a result, it is easier to try to navigate the necessary means that can be accessed through committee members, the powers that be, in easing this life-limiting health scandal for all involved as an optimistic view to improve our daily living needs and in assisting us to break free from the detrimental consequences and effects that were inflicted upon us with no informed consent. It is now widely known that there are minimal complete removal options of surgery for these surgical tapes here in Ireland, with no success or complication credentials as requested annually.

The following interventions are spread across Departments. They are necessary interventions that will make an exceptional difference to injured lives. The first is the issuing of medical cards to all recognised mesh-injured patients from previous pathways and Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, registration to assist with medical costs, diagnostic need, medications, primary care, GP visits, and acute services, such as haematology, diabetic screening, optometry and dental care, required as a result of the associated side effects of mesh.

The second intervention is patient transfer. Although we are grateful for the designated two mesh centres in Cork and Dublin, they are not realistic or feasible for the majority of those in need of their services. Therefore, patient transfer is vital in order that we can avail of the CMO's recommendations. Those injured by mesh are subjected to very invasive, painful examinations and cannot be asked to travel such distances on public transport, which is rarely accessible in many cases, and suffer unconditionally following the process.

The third intervention relates to accountability and an apology for mesh injury from our HSE and the Department of Health because there were many warnings regarding the safety of these products from the Food and Drug Administration Authority. Although they came in through Europe’s decentralisation system, they still ended up implanted in our bodies in national public hospitals run and funded by HSE and the Department.

The fourth intervention relates to patient advocates. The latter need to be included with the stakeholders in the decision-making relating to the upcoming steering committee on mesh injury. These patients hold the most valuable insight into the side effects endured following these failed procedures and the actions needed to prevent these horrific situations happening again.

The fifth intervention involves honest communication with all advocate mesh groups by the stakeholders. Such communication needs to be forthcoming and transparent in order for this whole nightmare to end. Trust needs to be re-established in order to rebuild confidence among those who promised "First, do no harm". Trust has completely broken down in light of all the gaslighting, ignorance and disrespect.

From the Woman’s Health action plan, dates are required for when the agreed compassionate engagement from December 2018 in lieu of an independent enquiry into mesh injury are going to take place. We also need information on the form of protocol that is to be used for this review. Dr. Gabriel Scally’s review into the other women’s health scandal involving CervicalCheck raised many identical issues, and its findings resonate closely with mesh-injured ladies and their constant battle for justice.

When will the translabial scanner be available for use at the Dublin and Cork mesh centres? Previous correspondence from Government indicates that it has been available since 1 September 2021. This is not the case. There is an anxious waiting list of mesh-injured ladies awaiting life-changing answers as to what damage their mesh is causing internally so as to direct future intervention to ease their plight. These vital diagnostic machines came at great public cost and it would be a shame to leave unused such wonderful non-invasive investigatory tools in mapping the mesh placement internally.

In the context of the CMO's report, an update is required as to the treatment suggestions in aftercare and the efficiency and effectiveness of the budget allocated. According to patient reviews, these treatments are not working and patients are still made to feel as though they are guinea pigs. Intervention is needed as soon as possible as some patients are coming out worse from participating in these treatments.