Coalition Government Steps up to Tackle Surgical Mesh Issue

New Zealand First is proud to be part of a Government which has stepped up to protect the public from the hazards of surgical mesh, says Health Spokesperson Jenny Marcroft.

The mesh has been used for many years in urogynaecological surgery, with women disproportionately affected by serious, sometimes life-changing, complications.

Against the backdrop of an increasing number of ACC claims of injury caused by the mesh, patient advocate groups repeatedly called on the previous government to take action, but none was.

The Coalition Government has now implemented tough new safeguards on any future use of surgical mesh, which will severely limit its use.

“Former NZ First MP and Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart championed this cause for many years,” Ms Marcroft says.

“These measures should have been brought in much sooner. It is not acceptable that mesh has continued to be used in face of the evidence of the harm which it causes.”

We are pleased with the safeguards announced today, and the commitment to consider the establishment of a national register of surgical mesh patients in order to identify and support those at risk of complications.

“New Zealanders must feel they are safe and can have confidence in our health care system.”

ENDS

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