Our 2025 Year in Review
2025 wasn’t easy – it was a year of relentless tenacity, countless hours of campaigning, and moments where our voices were ignored. Thank you to everyone who stood with us. Our voices are important in shaping policy, influencing research priorities, and ensuring that patient safety is a central focus in healthcare
Key Milestones
A decade of advocacy 2025 marked our 10-year anniversary. We began with just 20 women and now have more than 12,400 members from around the world suffering complications from surgical mesh used to treat prolapse, bladder leaks, hernias, some breast surgeries and bowel issues.
First Anniversary of the Hughes Report
February marked one year since the Hughes Review was published – a critical moment to demand an official government response on financial redress. To highlight this, I joined a powerful debate in Westminster Hall where Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton delivered the first genuine apology to women harmed by mesh, sodium valproate and Primodos.
Patient Safety Day Rally
In September we helped arrange and attended a rally outside Parliament to call for full implementation of the Cumberlege recommendations.
Mesh Centres Throughout the year, I met regularly with NHS leaders and mesh centre leads to champion the mesh community – driving forward improvements in care pathways and advocating for improvements at mesh removal centres to ensure every patient receives the care they deserve.
High-Level Engagement
- Met former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to discuss mesh removal centres and financial redress as outlined in the First Do No Harm report and the Hughes Report
- Worked with NHS Women’s Health Team to shape the upcoming Women’s Health Strategy refresh
- Submitted multiple Parliamentary questions around surgical mesh and financial redress
- Advocated internationally, urging the Irish government not to lift its bladder mesh sling ban
- Although the government refused to approve Sunshine legislation, we will continue as stakeholder members to help shape the forthcoming guidelines – a hugely frustrating compromise. In 2026, we’ll explore new ways to drive real change and improve transparency around industry payments, because this fight is far from over.
Campaign Highlights
- Media & Awareness
Appeared on Good Morning Britain to spotlight mesh complications including autoimmune diseases - Featured in the Daily Mail, ITV and BBC Points West thanks to strong media partnerships as well as many other national and regional print and broadcast media outlets such a Private Eye and women’s magazines. Check our news section of the website to read all of our 2025 coverage
- Continued grassroots campaigning for International Women’s Day and beyond
- Called for suspension of rectopexy mesh after Bristol surgeon Tony Dixon was struck off
Collaboration & Influence
- Partnered with Sepsis Trust UK and AvMA to strengthen patient safety networks.
- Spoke at the Health Service Journal Conference in Manchester, forging vital links in healthcare reform.
- Worked with NICE on new hernia mesh guidelines.
- Worked with academics who presented to the APPG on why transparency legislation matters and compared international systems.
- Worked with MP Esther McVey to support her debate into the failings of the MHRA
Creative Advocacy
Launched a powerful informational Sling The Mesh video working with Falmouth University students.
Recognition
Proud to win the HealthSense UK Award 2025, celebrating our patient safety advocacy.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our mission remains clear:
✅ Push for full implementation of the Hughes and Cumberlege reviews.
✅ Secure better care pathways and transparency in healthcare.
✅ Keep campaigning until we get justice.
