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Minister to probe compensation for injured mums thanks to journalist

Kath Sansom 2022Ministers are to look into providing financial compensation left with life-altering pain thanks to a former regional journalist.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has made the pledge after meeting with pelvic mesh campaigner Kath Sansom, a former journalist with the Cambs Times.

Kath, pictured, has been campaigning for years on behalf of women across the country who have undergone the same post-childbirth operation, to have what is known as a TVT mesh sling for bladder problems, that left her a “physical wreck”.

She met Mr Barclay last week to air her concerns on the issue.

Mum-of-two Kath told the Times: “Steve listened to our case for financial redress and is going to investigate with the Department of Health.

“We believe the cost of the redress schemes would be tiny in the context of the NHS budget, and a fraction of the amounts paid out by the NHS through NHS Resolution and litigation awards.”

She added: “We also discussed [with the health secretary] the need for the mesh centres to log their long-term outcomes to see who is performing well and who needs more training.

“In addition, our meeting focused on flattening the curve of women suffering incontinence and prolapse after childbirth so they do not need surgery in the first place, by offering women pelvic floor exercise as standard after childbirth as it is in France.”