THE SCOTTISH campaign group representing victims of the PiP implant scandal has once again called on the Health Secretary to conduct a Public Inquiry into the scandal.
The call follows yesterday’s Governmental review of the scandal, which has caused considerable harm and distress to thousands of Scots.
Having previously failed to state her support for a Public Inquiry, the campaign group hopes to meet with Nicola Sturgeon to end all the questions surrounding the issue and get some answers.
Thousands of Scots are victims to the PiP scandal
Spokeswoman for the PiP Implants Scotland campaign group, Trisha Devine, said: “We’re disappointed but not surprised with the findings of yesterday’s report.
“We were failed by the system that’s meant to protect us, and this review adds insult to injury.
“The UK Government wants to shift the blame but we’re not going to let them hide behind impartial reviews like this. We won’t be swept under the carpet. We’re looking to the Scottish Government for support. Serious questions remain unanswered and the Scottish public deserve answers.
“The victims have gone through hell since we were alerted to the dangers of the implants. What we’re pressing for is a transparent, independent and full public inquiry into this nightmare.”
Patrick McGuire, lawyer for the victims and partner at Thompsons Solicitors, comments: “Lord Howe’s report touches on the failures made in the regulation and monitoring of medical devices and products, but stops short of addressing the concerns of the victims.
“Having absorbed the findings of the official report, a number of key questions remain.
“The PiP campaign group were assured of a meeting with the Health Secretary once the official report into the scandal was published. We’re now calling on Nicola Sturgeon to follow through on her promise so we can finally get answers to these critical questions.
“Scotland needs clarification on questions such as: why the Scottish NHS didn’t use PiP when England did; what the rupture rate is in Scotland; the public health dangers of silicone in general; what can be done to improve regulation of private clinics in Scotland and how we make sure dangerous implants like PiP breasts and defective hips don’t slip through the net and get certificates in the future.
“The only way to end the uncertainty is for the Scottish parliament to pursue a public inquiry to shed light on these questions. I’m hopeful we can get together and achieve this in the public interest.”
