Deadline Approaches For People To Have Treatment By Uro-Gynaecologist Mr Arun Reviewed

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell representing women left in severe pain after treatment by a Midlands-based uro-gynaecologist, Mr Arun, are calling on others affected to join a scheme created in order to manage the growing number of legal cases related to the surgeon’s treatment.

Irwin Mitchell is acting for a number of ladies who are taking legal action against Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust in relation to the practices of Mr Angamuthu Arunkalaivanan after he used synthetic trans-vaginal meshes – or TVMs – to treat pelvic organ prolapse.

This is despite the NHS Trust advising staff at the start of 2009 to avoid using TVM as a primary means of treatment, with both NICE and international regulators raising safety concerns related to the products.

Last year, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust proposed the launch of a special settlement protocol to manage legal cases being brought in relation to treatment by Mr Arun, with the primary aim of ensuring any cases can be handled efficiently and cost-effectively.

Irwin Mitchell is now advising that anyone who believes they may have been affected but is yet to come forward should do so as soon as possible, as otherwise their cases may become time barred.

Expert Opinion

“We have heard incredibly worrying first-hand accounts regarding the problems that women have suffered following treatment by Mr Arun and we are determined to ensure that victims get the justice they deserve.

“This scheme – like others we have established with the NHS in the past – has been created to ensure that any victims who have suffered as a result of these failings are able to have claims resolved in the quickest and most efficient way possible.” Sallie Booth - Partner

One of Irwin Mitchell’s clients in this case, who wishes to remain anonymous, has spoken of how problems with her TVM implant have impacted on her life.

She said: “After the insertion of the mesh, I always believed that the symptoms I suffered were my own fault. I thought it was just my body reacting in an unusual, severe way, and that I was the only person with that problem. I was led to believe by Mr Arun that my symptoms were very rare and as such I felt that it was my own body letting me down.

“I blamed myself for a number of years, suffering from terrible side effects and pain caused by the mesh. I then received a letter from the NHS Trust explaining that maybe it had not been appropriate for me to even receive this mesh product in the first instance. This made me incredibly angry and upset.

Anyone who has concerns about their treatment can contact Irwin Mitchell to speak about the legal protocol agreed with the NHS by calling Natalie Truman at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or emailing natalie.truman@irwinmitchell.com.