Unite Legal Services is representing several women who have been left in significant pain following vaginal and rectal procedures performed in hospitals across the UK.
Unite is currently backing members who have suffered debilitating pain and complications as a result of being given a variety of mesh-related procedures. These include: ventral mesh rectopexy, an operation to help those that have suffered rectal prolapse, often after giving birth; the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure; and the use of trans-vaginal tape (TVT), also known as vaginal mesh, which is inserted under the urethra to combat incontinence.
Concerns about the use of mesh in these procedures has been mounting and Unite Legal Services is committed to ensuring members and their affected non-working family members receive the right advice and support.
Of particular concern is an announcement made by the North Bristol NHS Trust that it is investigating surgeon, Tony Dixon, following complaints about his rectopexy and STARR operations, as well as claims that he did not properly warn his patients about the risks associated with the procedures. The Trust has said that he cannot perform certain procedures at the NHS Southmead Hospital and Spire Bristol – where he has also worked – meaning his practice is restricted while the investigations are ongoing. The General Medical Council (GMC) is also investigating and has stopped him from performing the STARR surgery for a year from August 2017.
Stuart Davies, South West region legal officer at Unite the Union, said: “Unite Legal Services is currently representing women from across the UK who have suffered as a result of rectal and cervical procedures, but we fear that there are many more members out there who aren’t aware that they could be helped by our legal expertise.
“The recent investigation into Tony Dixon is of particular concern to those of us based in the South West and we are urging any member that thinks they, or a member of their family, have been treated by Mr Dixon, to consult their GP and speak to Unite Legal Services for advice.”
In instances of medical negligence, the time limit for starting a claim is usually three years from the date you knew, or could reasonably have known, that the treatment or medical advice you received was responsible for your injury or for causing you harm. Members who have concerns about treatment they have received from Mr Dixon, or mesh-related procedures in general, should contact Unite Legal Services today on 0800 709 007 or via https://www.unitelegalservices.org/contact-us for free, confidential legal advice.
