Meeting of the Parliament 24 October 2023
I believe that the rest of my speech will answer a lot of Daniel Johnson’s questions. The Glasgow mesh service is listening to women and amending the way that it works to ensure that it provides the best service for women.
Referrals are made on the basis of a single national form provided by the Glasgow service. Before attending the centre, patients have access to a range of information that is available on one website operated by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The website explains what a patient visiting the centre can expect, including how long the consultation might take and what will happen during it. The service is being further improved in response to patient feedback. Patients are encouraged to bring a companion and are free to record consultations on a personal mobile device, so that they are under no pressure to remember everything that is said. Patients can also see and discuss any scan pictures that are taken during investigations.
The service is not just about surgery. Women are supported by a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, physiotherapists and specialist nurses and they can access advice about diet, lifestyle and pain management.
It is also made explicitly clear that women can choose to have surgery elsewhere. Information is provided online and in hard copy about mesh removal surgery with one of the independent surgeons. Patients and the multidisciplinary team can take time to reach decisions about care, and they will be taken only after the patient has been given time to reflect on their options, while being supported by high-quality decision aids and consent forms. After surgery or after treatment has concluded, patients are referred back to their local health board for on-going support.
Patient feedback shows good and improving results. As I noted earlier, that has led to changes, such as having fewer people present in examinations.