ITV health expert, Dr. Hilary Jones, has come out in support of the private clinics who used the PIP breast implants. The clinics have come under fire recently because they have resisted calls to remove the implants for free to patients. Ministers say private firms have a moral responsibility to replace PIP implants free of charge if that’s what women want, yet it’s fast becoming clear that the issue is not as simple as this.
The Harley Medical Group, the biggest user of PIP implants, said today that it did not have the resources, the operating theatres or the surgeons to provide the replacements.
Another major provider of PIP implants, Transform, has also said it will not replace implants for free. Like the Harley Medical Group it says it will do the surgery for cost – up to £3,000.
Some firms which did a small number of PIP implants, BMI Healthcare, Nuffield Health and Spire have said they will remove and replace them free of charge.
Dr Hilary Jones has shifted the spotlight onto the government, and echoes the Harley Street Group by saying that the government approved the implants and they must shoulder the cost and the blame. Dr Hilary Jones reiterated his statement that it is not the private clinics who are to blame for using PIP implants, which were regulated and approved for use by the government body the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
“The government approved PIP implants as safe devices for use in the UK therefore, while it has already made promises with regards to NHS patients, in light of their responsibility for regulating these implants, it’s good to hear that they intend to work with the private sector to ensure that patients’ needs are met. There are physical, psychological and emotional factors
to consider and all will need to be addressed,” said Jones.
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