The NHS in Wales to replace PIP implants for private patients
11 | 01 | 12
The Welsh Government has
announced that it will pay for the removal of the banned Poly Implant Prothese (PIP)
implants from privately treated patients.
The faulty PIP
implants are the subject of a Medical Device Alert (MDA) by the
Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA); a recall was
issued on March 31 2010 for all UK implants following concerns
about an increase in rupture rates.
The UK
Government announced on Friday 6 January that there is no
need for routine removal of PIP breast implants, which over 40,000
women in the UK have received. The Welsh Government believes that
women are being placed under undue risk by not having the implants
removed, and have therefore agreed to pay for removal.
To qualify for the operation, patients must prove they have
consulted their private clinic. If their clinic is not willing to
replace the implants, patients will be able to have them removed
under the NHS, providing they are resident, and registered with a
GP in Wales.
Mark
Harvey, Partner and Head of Litigation at Hugh James solicitors
is representing over 650 women with PIP implants. Mark says “This is a bold
and welcome step by the Welsh government and NHS and will
I am sure come as a great relief to those affected. Whilst it
remains my view that the clinics owe a legal as well as a moral
duty to put right what they made profits implanting, my primary
concern and aim has always been for my clients' welfare and
this is a very welcome announcement. However I do hope that
the NHS recovers its outlay from the private sector and we will be
happy to work with them to make this happen."
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For information on joining the
group represented by Mark Harvey please contact Hugh James on 02920
224 871 or complete the enquiry
form.