Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

335. To ask the Minister for Health if the pause in the use of transvaginal mesh (details supplied) will be conditional upon the science proving the device is safe for use. [51656/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 24 July 2018, the HSE was requested by the Chief Medical Officer to pause all uro-gynaecological mesh procedures, in cases where it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so, pending confirmation by the HSE of the implementation of recommendations relating to (i) professional training requirements, (ii) patient information and consent and (iii) the development and maintenance of a national data set for all mesh procedures carried out in HSE funded hospitals. The request to institute a pause in vaginal mesh procedures was considered proportionate and necessary to address public and patient concern about the ongoing safety of mesh devices as comprehensively as possible.

In addition, a Synthetic Mesh Devices Advisory Group has been convened by the National Women and Infant Health Programme which includes three patient representatives, and representatives of stakeholder organisations to advise on and progress all the recommendations. The work being progressed by the HSE will include identifying best practice and the appropriate specialist clinical expertise. The HSE will also work to identify the facilities required at hospital group and national level to provide comprehensive aftercare services.

As requested by the CMO in July 2018, the pause in the use of mesh procedures for the management of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in HSE-funded hospitals is ongoing. In cases where it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so, it may be resumed pending confirmation by the HSE of the implementation of recommendations.