About the original Scottish Government Mesh Fund that closed on 30th June 2022

The Scottish Government established a £1 million fund to support women affected by mesh complications.

Successful applicants to the fund received a one-off payment of £1,000 to help towards the costs associated with emotional or practical support.

To apply, women must have had:

• received a transvaginal mesh implant, either from or on behalf of an NHSScotland health board
• have experienced complications as a result of that implant

Women were entitled to apply if they had, at their own expense, had to pay for emotional or practical support. This could include, for example:

• purchasing self-care items like incontinence pads
• undertaking considerable travel as a result of their condition

Women were asked to show evidence of their complications, either in the form of a letter from their GP / another healthcare professional, or another piece of correspondence. For example, this might be:

• a referral due to complications
• a letter from their health board showing that there have been complications

Practitioner Services ran the scheme from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022.

Applications had to be submitted by 31 May 2022 to ensure confirmation and payment ahead of the closing date of 30 June 2022.

Should an eligible applicant have been unable to complete an application form, their representative could have done so on their behalf.

Payments in consequence of personal injury usually have no effect on tax or benefits for a period of 12 months after payment. This can be longer if payments are put into a trust.

If claimants were receiving benefits and were unlikely to use the support payment within 12 months, they were advised to seek independent financial advice.

For all enquiries please e-mail: NSS.MESH-Fund@nhs.scot