A campaigner who represents women caught up in a life-changing health scandal says an initial payout the government has been recommended to give them “is disappointingly low”.  

Kath Sansom, a mum of two and former journalist for this news outlet, campaigns tirelessly for women who live with complications from pelvic mesh implants.   

Patients were offered the surgery for stress urinary incontinence and prolapse – but afterwards experienced debilitating pain that was being dismissed by health professionals.   

Kath says for many, it destroyed their lives.   

They were left unable to work, lost their jobs, were unable to have sex with their partners and their relationships broke down.   

Cambs Times: Kath Sansom (right) with fellow Sling the Mesh campaigner Ruth Macleod.Kath Sansom (right) with fellow Sling the Mesh campaigner Ruth Macleod. (Image: Sling the Mesh)England’s patient safety commissioner now says there is a “clear case for redress” for thousands of patients affected by the implants and the epilepsy drug sodium valproate.  

The Hughes Report, by the commissioner Dr Henrietta Hughes, recommends the government sets up a two-stage scheme to ensure these patients receive financial help quickly.  

It is proposed that £25,000 is paid initially to those experiencing complications following their vaginal mesh implant by 2025.   

The second stage payout would be based on the individual experience and needs of each patient.   

But Kath, who set up the Sling the Mesh campaign in 2015 and is connected to over 10,000 affected women, says the initial £25,000 offer is not enough.  
Cambs Times: Kath Sansom (right) with MP Sharon Hodgson who was at the launch of The Hughes Report.Kath Sansom (right) with MP Sharon Hodgson who was at the launch of The Hughes Report. (Image: Sling the Mesh)

She said: “While we are pleased that this report validates the suffering of thousands of women many who have lost jobs, pensions, homes, partners, and live in constant pain, there are also concerning elements to it.    

“Most notably, the initial sum of £20,000 to £25,000 for mesh is disappointingly low.   

“We hope second stage payments for women directly harmed will compensate for that and our members will not have to jump through hoops to receive it.”  

She added: “All women harmed by pelvic mesh trusted they were having a gold standard surgery, with little to no warning of risks from their surgeon, and as a result experienced irreversible, life altering complications.   

“Many were then gaslit and deceived for years, and, just like the Post Office scandal, told they were the only one suffering, forcing them to suffer in silence.” 

Cambs Times: Dr Henrietta Hughes (centre), England's patient safety commissioner, with Kath Sansom (right) and fellow mesh campaigner Ruth Macleod (left).Dr Henrietta Hughes (centre), England's patient safety commissioner, with Kath Sansom (right) and fellow mesh campaigner Ruth Macleod (left). (Image: Sling the Mesh)

The Women’s Health Minister Maria Caulfield says the government is “carefully considering” The Hughes Report’s recommendations.    

While this does offer a glimmer of hope for some, others caught up in a separate health scandal were excluded from the report.   

Dr Hughes wanted to include patients that had suffered avoidable harm as a result of hormone pregnancy tests, including Primodos.   

But the Department of Health and Social Care said the tests were not included as the available scientific evidence does not link them with adverse pregnancy outcomes.  

Cambs Times: Tracy Newton, of Little Ouse, believes her lifelong health issues were caused by a hormone pregnancy drug.Tracy Newton, of Little Ouse, believes her lifelong health issues were caused by a hormone pregnancy drug. (Image: Tracy Newton)A spokesperson said: “We remain hugely sympathetic to the families who believe that they or their children have suffered following the use of hormone pregnancy tests... 

“... We are not closing the door on those who believe they have been affected and have committed to reviewing any new scientific evidence which may come to light.”  

Tracy Newton, from Little Ouse, near Littleport, believes her lifelong health issues were caused by a hormone pregnancy drug given to her mother.   

She was among of group of 172 claimants who attempted to bring legal action against Primodos’ makers and the government in a bid for compensation.   

But their claims were thrown out by a High Court judge last year.   

Tracy, who is now wheelchair bound, said: “I’m really angry we were not included in The Hughes Report about financial redress.  

“It’s disgusting the government can treat us this way. 

“I have repeat prescriptions of various medications to get through the days, I’m waiting on three operations and I need someone with me for all my appointments.  

“We are not living any kind of life, it’s a constant battle and a financial drain. I just want what we’ve been through to be acknowledged so we can get some kind of help.”