An Investigative Review into the process of establishing, managing and supporting Independent Reviews in Scotland

Foreword

This report is about the planning, process and execution of non-statutory reviews. Although our remit was to investigate the Scottish Independent Review of Transvaginal Mesh Implants, our recommendations are generic, systematic and may be applied to reviews more broadly.

This Review has identified a series of failures in how the Scottish Independent Review of Transvaginal Mesh Implants was conducted.

Reflecting on the failures and limitations of this process, I recognise that everyone involved in the Transvaginal Mesh Review entered into the process with the best of intentions. Conducting this Review, I met a series of civic-minded people, trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

It has been my privilege to chair this Investigative Review. I appreciate the time everyone involved in this process has taken to share their perspectives, insights and experiences with us. Participating in public reviews – whether as a chair, panel member or special interest representative - can be a hard, and sometimes thankless, task.

It is important to be honest about our past failures. But it is equally important to learn lessons from the past and to shape the future in light of those lessons.

Alison Britton, Professor of Healthcare and Medical Law, Glasgow Caledonian University. 25^th October 2018