- Women affected must not suffer in silence

Speaking following the Government’s announcement that a further 7,000 women in the UK may have been victims of the PiP implants scandal, Scottish campaign group “PiP Implants Scotland” and their solicitor Patrick McGuire expressed concern at the new figures and urged victims not to suffer in silence.

It is understood that following an investigation by the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), French authorities said this week that PiP implants made before 2001 could also contain the non-medical grade silicone at the heart of the scandal.

Spokeswoman for the “PiP Implants Scotland” campaign group, Trisha Devine, urged women to join their group to get support:

“This scandal just feels like an endless nightmare.

“I understand how these women must be feeling because when I first found out that I had PiPs inside me I didn’t know where to turn.  I felt scared and that I wasn’t getting straight answers. 

“No woman hit by this scandal should suffer in silence.  Join our group on facebook and we can offer support and advice.

“We need to fight this campaign together and the more we are, the stronger our voice to fight for justice and answers to make sure this never happens again.”

Partner at Thompsons Solicitors and lawyer for the Scottish victims of the PiP scandal, Patrick McGuire, said:

“This is concerning news.  This scandal now goes beyond what was initially thought. 

“This development just reinforces the failures made in the regulation and monitoring of these products.  Clearly better monitoring and information gathering is needed. 

“The news must be causing a lot of concern among women who have today found out that they could also be victims of this scandal.  Our advice to all woman concerned is clear: don’t suffer in silence.  Speak to your doctor and find out your legal rights.”

The firm has a free advice line for the victims of the scandal (0800 0891331). He said that the victims of the scandal are entitled to justice:

“The victims of this scandal have the right to claim compensation covering the cost of scans, removal, replacement as well as the pain and suffering that this nightmare has put them through.

“These women have found their lives turned upside down by this scandal.  They deserve justice.”