Scotland announces implant removal on NHS
20/02/12: If unacceptable conditions are attached to the removal of PIP implants in private clinics in Scotland, women can turn to the NHS, Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary, has confirmed.
It is believed that 4,000 Scottish women have the implants manufactured by Poly Implant Prothese, the now closed French company. The implants are filled with a toxic substance – non-medical grade silicone – which is dangerous if the implant ruptures.
According to the campaign group PIP Implants Scotland, some private clinics have been requesting patients sign gagging orders and waivers of legal rights for the treatment – Ms. Sturgeon says this constitutes a refusal to treat.
The group recently pressed for a public enquiry at a meeting with Ms. Sturgeon at Holyrood. Trisha Devine, the campaign spokeswoman, commented that the meeting had been helpful, progress had been made but there were still questions.
Ms. Sturgeon confirmed that there were two UK-wide inquiries underway with which Scotland was co-operating.
A spokesperson from the Scottish Government said women unable to contact their private surgeon should contact their own GP. If there is a clinical need NHS Scotland will perform the procedure.
The lawyers for the group said that the women had a case under normal consumer law and the supply of faulty goods.
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