PIP implants women given surgery dates (From The Northern Echo)

PIP implants women given surgery dates

8:00am Friday 17th February 2012 in NHS & Health News By Barry Nelson, Health Editor

SIX women who had controversial PIP breast implants from a North-East hospital trust have been given dates for surgery to have them removed.

The women, who all had PIP implants fitted by the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust between 2001 and 2007, are among 412 women who had the French-made implants fitted by the trust.

So far, 16 women with PIP implants have had outpatient appointments with specialist doctors.

Most women in the UK had PIP implants fitted at private hospitals. The County Durham and Darlington trust fitted more PIP implants than any other NHS trust in England.

Surgeons at the trust implanted 683 of the potentially faulty PIP breast implants into 412 women between 2001 and 2007.

Angela Murphy, from Framwellgate Moor, Durham City, who had two PIP implants fitted at Shotley Bridge Hospital in 1997 has recently developed symptoms including pain and fatigue after one of the implants ruptured.

Ms Murphy, 63, is one of the County Durham and Darlington trust patients waiting for an operation to remove her implants.

Last night, she told The Northern Echo: “They have asked me if I mind going to Bishop Auckland Hospital for the operation. I have told them I will go anywhere.”

More than 40,000 women in the UK have PIP implants, which are filled with industrial grade silicone.

Reports that some PIP implants have ruptured and leaked silicone has caused widespread concern, but the NHS is still advising women that they do not need to have them removed unless they have symptoms such as pain or tenderness.

Last month, a free helpline was set up to advise women who have had breast implants at the County Durham and Darlington trust.

Officials said the trust had taken calls from 225 women.

Many were from women who were told that they were fitted with non-PIP implants and had no reason to worry.

A trust spokeswoman said there was still no clear evidence to suggest PIP gel implants were unsafe.

The trust is advising patients to seek further advice from their GP, who will be able to make a referral to a plastic surgeon for specialist treatment.