Minister defends his advice on PIP implants

Labour has called on the UK government to explain what “practical help” it was offering “worried and frightened” women with PIP breast implants.

Shadow health minister Diane Abbott urged the Health Secretary to outline what steps he could offer women whose private providers had not yet committed to offering free replacements.

During Commons health questions, Andrew Lansley said he intended to make a statement on the subject today.

He said: “We’ve been very clear about the support which the NHS will give to women who had their implants through the NHS and we expect private companies to do the same.

“Not all will do so and to that extent of course I make it clear that the NHS is there to support women in their clinical needs whatever their other circumstances may be.”

His comments follow an announcement from the government on Friday that anxious patients who had surgery on the NHS would be able to have the implants replaced free of charge.

Mr Lansley said he expected private clinics to offer the same deal to their patients.

About 40,000 British women have received PIP implants manufactured by the now closed French company Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP).

The implants were filled with non-medical grade silicone intended for use in mattresses.

Ms Abbott said: “The secretary of state will be aware that thousands of women are worried and frightened about this issue.

“The statements that he has made are welcome but what practical help can he offer women whose private providers have not yet committed to offering free replacements?”

Mr Lansley responded: “All the way through we’ve wanted to be absolutely clear that any woman who is worried should be able to go to their GP.

“I have made it very clear that I expect private providers to match the NHS support of information, of access to specialist advice, of access to imaging and investigation and to the removal of implants on the basis of a decision if that is necessary.”