Medical mesh
Thank you for your excellent reporting on surgical mesh. I am one of those injured by the surgeon mentioned in Emma Russell's report and like so many other women, my life has been seriously affected by the injuries I sustained. Fortunately, they haven't been quite as serious as the
two brave women who have shared their experiences with the NZ Herald.
Because it's about our pelvic area, most women don't feel comfortable sharing their stories, but there are many of us who have suffered from injuries caused by surgeons. Quick operation, quick money.
More needs to be done to correct this injustice. Keep up the pressure for that, please NZ Herald.
Denise Bugden, Paekākāriki.
Merits of mesh
The Herald's articles on surgical mesh address its misuse in gynaecology; for the sake of balance people ought to know that mesh remains a perfectly reasonable surgical material when used appropriately.
A stainless steel screw is fine for fixing your fractured ankle but you wouldn't want it in your eye.
Mesh is tough, so it has been widely used in hernia repair over the past 30 years. Modern hernia surgery is, without any exaggeration, 10 times less likely to fail than in the past.
It reinforces tissue like steel does in a concrete slab, not a desired characteristic in flexible tissues – hence the problem.
Mesh doesn't rot, by the way – any more than anything else made of plastic does.
I'd personally have no hesitation in having a hernia repair with mesh in the future.
Like any technology, it can be used or misused.
Dr Chris Hawke, urologist.
Paid study
Robert MacCulloch's opinion piece (NZ Herald, June 30) raised readers' awareness of the plight of young people in recent times because of Covid and its impact.
He reports that "school attendance is declining particularly in deprived areas". Could the Government consider paying young people from age of 15 to go to school? Many have had to leave to get jobs to help their parents who lost theirs. Going to school should be considered their job.
That's better value than having them on a benefit and, long term, society would gain economically and socially with having high attendance at our secondary schools.
Roger Hall, Takapuna.
Working well
In recent times there has been much correspondence about our broken health system but my personal experience is different. This year, I and two other members of my family have spent time in Middlemore Hospital. The treatment we received was outstanding. At all times we were treated with respect and compassion.
In the case of my mother, to arrive there with a broken hip and to be operated on within 24 hours has had the amazing outcome that, at 94 years old, she is now walking again albeit with assistance.
The incredibly diverse workforce worked together co-operatively from cleaners to nurses to doctors. There was never any sign of tension or stress and the patients were always their focus.
Middlemore is doing a great job but if the changes mean more resourcing for it then this is welcomed as they will be able to serve their community even better.
Gil Laurenson, Eastern Beach.
Not celebrating
I think Mark McCluskey (NZ Herald, July 1) has underestimated the ongoing effects of the Roe v Wade repeal and misunderstood the reactions to it. Sure, it's okay to hold a contrary opinion, but it was the gloating expressed that upset so many people, together with the removal of rights women have had for half a century.
Throughout history, there have been "backstreet abortions" with sometimes terrible consequences for women of botched operations. The fear of seeking medical aid after an illegal procedure went wrong caused many deaths, often from sepsis. After the passing of Roe v Wade, American women had access to professional – and sterile – procedures. The death rate decreased.
Now, in roughly half of American states they will no longer have access to legal abortions, disproportionately affecting the poor and less privileged. Wealthy women will be able to have a "holiday" abroad, visit "relatives" in Canada or travel to another state. Not so the poor. Backstreet abortions will increase, and so will deaths.
Abortion may be a sin ("evil") in McCluskey's eyes, though the private sins of others are hardly his business; it certainly should not be a crime.
Pam Sims, Mellons Bay.
