• IN the article (Protest as mesh service is suspended, May 10) you reported that NICE (the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) said mesh implants are safe.

This is incorrect as NICE do not regulate devices like mesh. This role is carried out by the MHRA (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) who look at their safety and quality.

NICE’s latest clinical guideline on the use of mesh surgery in the management of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women states: “there is some evidence of benefit, but limited evidence on long-term effectiveness and adverse effects. In particular, the true prevalence of long-term complications is unknown.”

NICE states surgery using mesh should only be considered after non-surgical management and treatments have failed and when a number of conditions are met, including making sure the woman fully understands the benefits and risks of such a procedure.

However surgery using mesh is not being offered on the NHS as a national pause is in place. Professionals should continue to follow its requirements.

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND CARE EXCELLENCE