There was a woman on the news this morning suggesting that the NHS should pay for the removal of PIP breast implants for those that want them removed.
I can understand the NHS stepping-in if an impant fails and there is a health risk, but if somebody wants them removed on a 'just in case' basis, surely the individual concerned should pay to have them removed, shouldn't they?
I'm in two minds about this, my immediate reaction was the same as yours, but if, as suggested there is a slim chance of cancer then the NHS would have to fund that if it happened and be much more expensive I'm sure. I do not agree however that the NHS should have to fund new implants as was suggested somewhere last week.
She may be considering the futue cost to the NHS in terms of treating resultant ill health may make funding removal an investment. That said, my opinion is that if the NHS didn't put it in they need to think twice and more about funding what should be paid for by the patient, their surgeon, and the supplier. At the moment though, it isn't clear there is a greater risk from the lower quality filling ones anyway.
All those affected should be suing the clinics who performed the surgery. The products used were not fit for purpose, it is the clinic's responsibility to ensure the implants they use are not faulty or dangerous.
I don't disagree daffy, did you read yesterday that they are charging the women £50 to have their records, shocking really when they are part of the problem.
I've been pondering for some time on the "who pays when private practice goes tits-up" question (pun fully intended).
I like the "the buck stops with the consultant" idea - make them pay for full liability insurance for their lucrative work - it might even stop some of the expensive dribble of 'difficult' hips/knees back into the NHS when they 'go technical' during the recovery period.
Some way to rein in the "have one done privately and I'll do the other on the NHS" scam might be good too ...
I have little sympathy for these women who voluntarily underwent major surgery in the interests of ' having firmer boobs'. The clinics should carry out any removals that are deemed necessary. I cannot understand the mentality of people who are perfectly healthy but still go under the knife! It has been known for years that there is a risk of leakage from these bags of silicone yet they still want them put in. Madness.
Madmaggot, if you were a female who had been stared at, pointed at and laughed at for being flat chested all your life like I have, your attitude might change. If I had ever had a spare £5000 I would have happily had implants.