2860 women with PIP implants referred to NHS

Nearly 3,000 women who had PIP breast implants fitted have been referred to the NHS in England according to figures released by the government.

The implants were manufactured by French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) and were subsequently banned by the government there because industrial grade silicone was used instead of the more expensive medical grade silicone, and there were concerns of increased risk of rupture. Other countries in Europe followed suit, and advised any women who had the PIP implants fitted to have them removed. The UK government did not go so far as to advise removal but made a commitment to provide assistance through the NHS to anyone who had them fitted and wanted to have them removed. They did not commit to replace them unless they were originally fitted for non-cosmetic reasons.

It was confirmed that the NHS in Northern Ireland had not used the implants in any operations though it was suspected that a reasonably large number of women might have received the PIP implants at private clinics elsewhere in the UK. The NHS in England used the PIP implants in 741 operations, the majority of which were for reconstruction purposes after breast cancer.

Of the 2,860 women referred to the NHS in England, 1100 have had the implants scanned and 455 have so far decided not to have the implants removed. So far, 67 have decided to have them removed and 12 operations have taken place. Women are referred to the NHS if the private clinic they attended refuses to remove their implants, or is no longer in existence.

If you had PIP implants fitted and want to receive legal advice in respect of bringing a claim for compensation, or would like to receive legal advice about another product defect or instance of medical negligence, contact one of the claims solicitors at Wilson Nesbitt in Belfast by calling 0800 840 9289.

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