A patient safety campaigner says it is “a groundbreaking success” that women suffering complications from vaginal mesh implants will receive a payout.  

It was made public yesterday (Monday) that 140 women in England harmed by the medical device have been successful in a group settlement.  

Kath Sansom, from March, in Cambridgeshire, has been campaigning tirelessly for nine-and-a-half years to raise awareness of the issue.  

She said: “This is groundbreaking success where a law firm has had the courage and temerity to take on industry giants - and win.    

“While 140 women is a drop in the ocean of the number of women harmed we hope it paves the way for further claimants to succeed in a product liability case.” 

Vaginal mesh implants, also known as pelvic mesh implants, were used to treat prolapse and incontinence after childbirth.   

But some have been suffering life-changing complications such as chronic pain, mobility issues, repeated infections, autoimmune diseases and painful intercourse.  

The actions by the group were brought against three mesh manufacturers at the High Court in London.  

Lisa Lunt, partner at law firm Pogust Goodhead, led the actions on behalf of the women and said many had missed the chance of payouts because of a deadline.  

She said: "Hundreds of women were prevented from making a claim due to strict 10-year time limits that are in force from the date that the product was manufactured.  

"It’s about time that the government took action to increase the time limits." 

Kath agrees this needs to be reviewed, adding 11,000 members in the Sling the Mesh support group sit outside any opportunity to join a group action.  

The three mesh manufacturers issued statements in response to the case. 

Bard explained the legal action had been resolved "without any admission of liability”. 

Boston Scientific said the action had been "successfully resolved without any admission of misconduct or liability”. 

Johnson & Johnson said the action against the company over transvaginal mesh devices had been resolved. 

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Our sympathies are with the women affected by vaginal mesh implants.

“We are carefully considering the recommendations of the review into this issue, and ministers have already met with the Patient Safety Commissioner to discuss next steps.

“This highlights the devastating consequences of previous failures across the health system, and this government recognises that significant improvements in patient safety are needed to restore public confidence.”