Barbara Stewart MP
Spokesperson for Health
20 MARCH 2017
GOVERNMENT ACTION NEEDED OVER SURGICAL MESH INJURIES
The growing number of surgical mesh related injury claims received by ACC is appalling says New Zealand First.
“Recently released information shows the number of claims relating to surgical mesh has doubled between 2015 and 2016.
This is unacceptable,” says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart.
“The number of patients are suffering from injuries caused by surgical mesh keeps increasing.
“It’s time Health Minister Jonathan Coleman fronted up and deals with this issue.
“ACC has submitted only 79 reports to Medsafe since 2005 despite committing to report all surgical mesh injuries
following an inquiry by Parliament’s Health Select Committee.
“So far, Dr Coleman has done little in response to the Health Select Committee recommendations which included the
creation of a registry for all patients who have received mesh implants.
“How many more patients have to suffer before the Minister shows some leadership on this issue,” says Mrs Stewart.
ENDS