Hearing the stories of those harmed by surgical mesh

Overview

As part of its response to ongoing concerns with the use of surgical mesh, the Ministry of Health is wanting to provide an opportunity for people who have been harmed by surgical mesh and their families/whānau to tell their stories.

It is important that any such opportunity is inclusive and supportive of people’s different needs and situations. Therefore, we would like to hear from those who are interested in telling their story, about how they would like to do this.

You could be someone directly harmed by mesh, or a family/whānau member or friend.

The information gained will inform the format and timetable of public engagement, which is intended to occur early in the new year.

Thank you.

Important notes

• Completing this survey does not commit you to participating in the subsequent forums.
• Similarly, not completing the survey will not prevent you from participating in the subsequent forums.
• You do not have to have lodged an ACC claim or Medsafe adverse events report to participate. We are keen to hear from anyone who has experienced harm as a result of surgical mesh.

What happens next

This survey closed on 18 January 2019 with 423 submissions received. Thank you to everyone who participated, we greatly appreciate your time and input.

It is important to note that the survey was just a first step in this process. The submissions are currently being analysed and will be used to inform a plan to formally go out and hear people’s stories in the coming months.

Further updates will be provided to this page as they become available.