Pelvic mesh apology in SA parliament a 'first step', advocate says
Chronic pain, regular hospital visits and the feeling of helplessness became part of everyday life for thousands of South Australians who received pelvic mesh implantations.
The implantations, also known as trans-vaginal mesh, are used for conditions including pelvis organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Some implants were banned in 2017, and a
The state government on Wednesday apologised to those who had the devices implanted — almost 22 years after they first started being used
in South Australia in 2003.
There were around 11,000 mesh procedures in SA between 2003 and 2018, according to the state government.
Photo shows
Portraits of nine women looking serious are arranged in a grid.
Thousands of Australian women who won a landmark class action settlement more than a year ago over damage done by pelvic mesh have still not received any compensation.
Paramedic and Australian Mesh Support Group member Kim Blieschke,
"It was found that the mesh was eroding through the side of my vagina," she said.
"
I was in chronic pain, I had nerve damage, I had bleeding, I had infection.
"
Ms Blieschke said that in 2014, after several attempts at getting Australian doctors to remove the mesh, she was forced to travel to America for the surgery — but she still experiences permanent symptoms.
"I had consulted around Australia and every doctor here had told me that my mesh couldn't be removed and if it was I'd end up with a urostomy bag, which is a bag instead of my bladder, or a colostomy bag; a bag instead of my rectum and bowel," she said.
"The pain is permanent now, the nerve damage is permanent, the scarring is permanent."
'Pain, embarrassment and gaslighting'
In a statement read aloud in state parliament, Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton apologised on behalf of the state government to all "South Australians adversely impacted by medical mesh implants".
"I acknowledge the life-altering complications for many women and some men," Mr Picton said.
"For the pain, embarrassment and gaslighting they've endured — we are sorry.
"For the times where you've questioned your own experiences, were dismissed by those who were meant to care for you, and had to fight to receive appropriate, compassionate and quality care you deserved — we are sorry."
A Senate inquiry found that some women were not properly informed about potentially serious side effects of pelvic mesh implants.
(
ABC News: Jerry Rickard
)
For mother-of-three Ms Blieschke, the apology has been a "long time coming".
"A 'sorry' I guess goes a little way to helping women get the help they really need," she said.
"A lot of them are in pain 24 hours a day. It affects their whole life.
"They used to be quite fit and active women, you know, running around with their kids. They can't do that now.
"
Sorry is a first step but we need to implement more care for the lifelong care women need.
"
Call to suspend products 'not fit for purpose'
Mr Picton also apologised to those left waiting for "years for corrective surgery through the public health system", and to those "who still today are physically and emotionally affected by this systemic failure".
"I know this apology does little to right the wrongs which you have endured," he said.
"
It is now our government's responsibility to ensure that our response remains on target … so that no woman is left dealing with these injuries by herself.
"
SA's Health Minister apologised on behalf of the state government, including to those left waiting for years for corrective surgery.
(
ABC News: Michael Clements
)
Ms Blieschke said previous recommendations handed down from the Senate and a South Australian inquiry resulted in a number of changes, but she did not think they went far enough.
Ms Blieschke expressed concern that other mesh products
.
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) said it had undertaken a "rigorous review" of mesh products which led to the "majority of mesh products being cancelled and removed from the Australian market", however it said a small number were found to "still have benefits for the Australian public".
It said pelvic mesh in the form of mid-urethral slings continue to be used in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence due to the "clinical evidence that supports their performance and safety".
"The TGA continues to closely monitor the safety of mesh devices both in Australia and globally," it said.
More than 10,000 mesh procedures in SA
Mr Picton said it was important for the government to do what it could "to ensure that this doesn't happen again".
"Between 2003 and 2018, approximately 11,000 mesh procedures had been performed in South Australia," he said.
"Women reported chronic pain, mesh erosion, infections and permanent nerve damage.
"By 2018, more than 4,000 women had already re-presented with complications.
"In every year since, it is estimated that around 150 women will require ongoing care through a multi-disciplinary specialist clinic."
Health minister Chris Picton read the apology in parliament on Wednesday.
(
ABC News
)
To help women experiencing issues, the state government employed its first "local and publicly credentialed urogynaecologist in over a decade" in 2023.
"This has increased surgical capacity and reduced dependence on external services," the state government said.
"The multidisciplinary team also includes two gynaecologists, one urogynaecologist, one urologist, one colorectal surgeon, a clinical psychologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, two clinical nurse consultants, and one administration officer.
"Recruitment is underway for a 0.2FTE [full-time equivalent] pain management specialist.
"Work is underway to increase the allocated FTE of gynaecology clinicians to improve timeliness of care."
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