Mesh Implant report lets down survivors, says Green MSP

Green MSP Alison Johnstone has called for the findings of a report into the scandal of women being forced to live in severe and constant pain because of transvaginal mesh implants to be looked at again. The Scottish Greens’ health spokesperson says the recommendations do not give sufficient clarity to ministers, MSPs and the Scottish Mesh Survivors – the group behind the Hear Our Voice campaign.


Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone said: “The Public Petitions Committee has reflected that Professor Alison Britton’s report on the independent review will focus on the process that was followed and will not revisit the findings and recommendations of the report itself.  In Dr Wael Agur’s view, a consultant urogynecologist who is playing a leading role in the review, recommending that ‘transvaginal mesh procedures must not be offered routinely’ does not give sufficient clarity.  I too believe that the findings of the report must also be revisited.

“Scotland had an opportunity to show global leadership on mesh. I am, like other MSPs, extremely dismayed that the final report did not reflect that.  We missed the opportunity to lead then and we let down mesh survivors in the process.

“Work to improve reporting of adverse incidents related to medical devices is more urgent than ever.  The case for imposing a real suspension of all transvaginal mesh procedures is stronger than ever and I urge the Cabinet Secretary to open the Final Report of the Scottish review of mesh surgery up to public consultation.”

Ms Johnstone added: “Meeting the mesh survivors when they came to Parliament was eye-opening.  No one appreciates more than the women themselves how debilitating, how life-restricting incontinence can be.  While we all appreciate that surgery can never be guaranteed 100% safe or side effect free, to have such devastating outcomes in a group of patients is absolutely unacceptable.”

 

Tea from two: New Tea Sorbet celebrates the launch of The Giant Lanterns of China

This winter, RZSS Edinburgh Zoo is home to The Giant Lanterns of China, an installation of over 450 dazzling giant lanterns that will illuminate the Zoo for 50 awe-inspiring nights. To celebrate the magnificent spectacle, the UK’s leading leaf tea experts, eteaket, has collaborated with Mackie’s of Scotland to produce a refreshing and zingy tea sorbet. Continue reading Tea from two: New Tea Sorbet celebrates the launch of The Giant Lanterns of China

Free exercise classes for women from Scotland’s most ethnically diverse community

Women in the most ethnically diverse part of Scotland have been enjoying free weekly exercise classes and healthy heart lessons thanks to a locally raised £5,000 Heart Research UK and Subway® Healthy Heart Grant. Continue reading Free exercise classes for women from Scotland’s most ethnically diverse community

Fishkeeper Scotland support for Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA was delighted to receive £2,444.20 from Fishkeeper Scotland. Fishkeeper Scotland chose to raise funds for Scotland’s animal welfare charity during their seventh anniversary fundraiser on the 4th and 5th of November across all stores in Scotland. Continue reading Fishkeeper Scotland support for Scottish SPCA

Third of workers are “on the pull” at their Christmas Party

One third of people attending their office party this year plan another type of Christmas fun

The party season is already well under way and thousands will enjoy a few drinks with work colleagues at their works Christmas do. However whilst most will have a few drinks and call it a night, research from office provider Desk.co.uk suggests some have a desire to take things further with an office co-worker. Continue reading Third of workers are “on the pull” at their Christmas Party

Employers given more time to apply for up to £10,000 worth of training at Edinburgh College

Scottish businesses still have time to apply for up to £10,000 worth of training at Edinburgh College as part of a new scheme developed by the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council. Continue reading Employers given more time to apply for up to £10,000 worth of training at Edinburgh College

MSP praises NHS workforce as staffing rises to record levels

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has praised the staff working in our NHS who are helping to deliver the best-performing NHS in the UK ahead of the busy festive period after latest stats showed increased staffing levels that will help give patients the best possible care. Continue reading MSP praises NHS workforce as staffing rises to record levels

‘Acoustic camouflage’ keeps the humpback boys at bay

Napier University research focuses on female whales’ breeding ground behaviour

Female humpback whales head for deeper waters as their calves mature and use rugged seabed terrain as ‘acoustic camouflage’ to help avoid adult males looking to mate, a study by Edinburgh Napier University has found. The new study into the behaviour of the marine mammals has discovered that the mothers’ habitat choices are strongly influenced by the size and age of their calves. Continue reading ‘Acoustic camouflage’ keeps the humpback boys at bay

Barclays Bank’s Princes Street branch raises £2,500 for books for the blind

It wasn’t so much a run on the bank as by the bank! Staff at Barclays Bank’s branch on Princes Street have raised £2,500 to transcribe a new ‘talking’ audio-book for blind and partially sighted people. Continue reading Barclays Bank’s Princes Street branch raises £2,500 for books for the blind