The NHS in Scotland did not stick to guidelines for treating women suffering from the complications of mesh implants, a government expert group has found.

The group, which was set up to look at the care received by women injured by mesh, said there were ‘variations’ in mesh patient pathways across Scotland.

It recommends having a new single national service and only allowing differences from guidelines ‘where clinically appropriate’.

The Scottish Government says it expects health boards to act on the report's findings and is planning to announce details of a mesh support fund later this year.

There have been continued concerns about the procedures and the treatment of patients dealing with damage caused by the implants.

Last month women concerned about removal operations were offered sit-down reviews with doctors to discuss their cases after some were incorrectly told all the synthetic tape had been removed from their bodies.

The short-life working group was set up in March 2019 and brought together representatives from the Scottish government, mesh campaigners and the health service.

An earlier report produced for the group detailed the  ‘harrowing’ complications some women faced, including pain across the lower body, recurring infections and reduced mobility.

Issues identified include uneven implementation of recommendations from the regulator NICE and variations in staffing levels and waiting times for specialist physiotherapy.

A proposal to set up a national mesh removal service for the most complex cases in Glasgow is due to be considered by the NHS this month.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This report contains key recommendations that we expect all health boards to act upon, building on work already begun to establish a National Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service.

“Once that has been set up, a new group will oversee service improvements and review the implications for Scotland of external reports – and it is important that group includes both clinicians and people who lived through this.

“We are creating a £1m fund for women affected by mesh complications and we hope to announce details in late spring. We have already taken strong and decisive action, including halting the use of transvaginal mesh, setting up a case note review, and establishing a Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service. 

"We must be mindful of the ongoing situation with Covid-19, for example with regard to face-to-face meetings that the case note review would require, but we are continuing to work to ensure that where we are delayed, we will be ready as soon as it is safe and practicable to proceed.”

Sign up to our bulletin sent twice a week so you don’t miss out on the latest health and social care news.