Scots women who suffered adverse effects from transvaginal mesh implants will now be able to travel to the US for removal surgery from a world-leading expert.
A contract to allow patients to visit Dr Dionysios Veronikis at Mercy Hospital in Missouri has been agreed by the NHS.
Another contract with Spire Healthcare was agreed earlier this year and arrangements are also underway for the first patients to travel to a specialist centre in Bristol.
The cost of each procedure is estimated to be £16,000 to £23,000.
Urogynaecological mesh is used to treat stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, said to affect around 20% of women.
However, the procedure was stopped in Scotland after women were left with painful, life-changing side effects.
Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw, who campaigned on behalf of women affected, said: “This is another significant step forward for the brave women who have campaigned tirelessly to fight for justice.
“Dr Veronikis is a world-leading expert on mesh removal and the favoured choice for many of the women affected, so it is extremely welcome this contract has now been agreed.
“These women have gone through a horrific ordeal and I have been proud to stand alongside them in their campaigning efforts.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "I am determined to ensure that those with mesh complications get the treatment they want and need.
“Treatment and travel will be free of charge and I encourage anyone who wishes referral to one of these services to speak to their GP in the first instance and make their wishes known.”
Mary Morgan, Chief Executive of NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), added: “This is a positive step in improving the range of patient pathways available to women injured by mesh."
The Scottish Government said anyone seeking mesh removal should first discuss this with their own clinician.
If considered appropriate at that stage, and in line with a process agreed with the independent providers, they would then be referred to the Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service in NHS GGC for consideration.
If it is agreed that surgery is appropriate, the patient can choose to be treated by the service already available in NHS Scotland or to be referred to a specialist NHS centre in England or to one of the independent providers.
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