PIP implant victims hopeful of upcoming Westminster debate after 'inadequate and unsatisfactory' Government reports
Press Release from Thompsons Solicitors For Immediate Release
Scottish PIP implant victims will be paying close attention to Westminster this week as the Government’s Health Committee hold a debate on the scandal at Westminster this Thursday.
The debate follows the publication of two official reviews examining what happened in the UK in relation to PIP implants.
In May this year, Health Minister Earl Howe issue a report in which he stated that the UK Health regulator acted appropriately in the PIP scandal but needs to improve its communication with the public.
Sir Bruce Keogh’s Expert Group report, published last month, concludes that although PIP implants have a higher risk of rupture than other products, they are not deemed to be toxic or carcinogenic.
Thursday’s debate will rely on user statements posted to the Health Committee’s web forum, which was set up to gather information from women who have PIP implants in order to determine the scale of the problem and how well it is being tackled.
Spokeswoman for the PiP Implants Scotland campaign group, Trisha Devine, said:
“The conclusions of the official reports have been inadequate and unsatisfactory, but this is what we’ve come to expect from the Government.
“The real voices that need to be heard belong to the victims, and thanks to the brave contributions of women with PIP implants to the Health Committee’s online forum, the fight returns to Westminster on Thursday.
“Having read and listened to the personal experiences of these women, it’s clear that PIP victims across the UK share the same concerns about the response of private clinics and NHS to the scandal.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll finally get some proper answers on Thursday. At the very least, we’re pleased that us victims will have our voices heard.”Lawyer for the victims and partner at Thompsons Solicitors, Patrick McGuire, commented:
“It is profoundly concerning that official reports have attempted to draw a line under this very serious public health issue.
"Clinics were not properly regulated and they still are not. The Scottish NHS did nothing to ensure the safety of medical products and it still does not. The medical response of the NHS was patchy, slow and insufficient and it remains so. “I’m pleased that the public discussion will continue on Thursday and will be watching Westminster with interest.
“At Thompsons we’re standing fully behind these women in their campaign for fair treatment from their clinics, justice and for lessons to be learned from this scandal. That’s why we’re helping these women fight the clinics in the court and backing their calls for a full and thorough public inquiry into this scandal in Scotland.
“I’d urge all victims of the PiP scandal to seek legal advice to find out their rights. Anyone affected should call us free on 0800 081 29 24”
Note to editors: to arrange further quotes from Trisha Devine and/or Patrick McGuire, contact Tim Weir on 0141 221 8840, e-mail
