Implant campaigners demand inquiry

Feb 21 2012

Women campaigning for a public inquiry into the sale of faulty breast implants are to meet the Health Secretary.

Nicola Sturgeon will hold a meeting with members of PIP Implants Scotland at Holyrood.

The group wants an independent public inquiry set up into the use of breast implants manufactured by the now-closed French company Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP), which were filled with non-medical-grade silicone intended for use in mattresses.

As many as 4,000 women in Scotland are thought to have the implants but none of the operations took place on the NHS.

Campaign spokeswoman Trisha Devine said those who have the implants are "living an absolute nightmare".

Speaking before the meeting, she said: "We just want someone to help us. Some of the women have found out that their implants have burst inside of them and others are anxious that the same might happen to them at any moment. It feels like we've got ticking timebombs inside of us."

The 34-year-old has not had any health problems because of her implants but said she is still worried about the procedure which she had in 2004. Ms Devine said: "Let there be no doubt - we want answers and action from today's meeting. We are not the first to experience a medical devices scandal. We must also remember the victims of defective hips that were allowed to get onto the market. But we want to make sure we are the last.

"We are Scottish citizens and we want our government to support us, not hide behind Westminster. Closed-door UK Government reviews are not enough. The least we are owed is a full, transparent and independent public inquiry."

The group's lawyer, Patrick McGuire of Thompsons Solicitors, said: "The case for a public inquiry is clear and overwhelming. These women deserve the fullest action from their Scottish Government. This ranks among the most important public health scandals in recent times."

The meeting with Ms Sturgeon is supported by Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie who helped arrange the meeting.