A MESH implant survivor from East Renfrewshire has told how she has “fresh hope” after “positive” talks with the First Minister this week.

Elaine Holmes, 55, is optimistic that, following Monday’s face-to-face meeting, Nicola Sturgeon will take action to help those affected by the scandal.

An “agreement in principle” to bring expert American clinician Dr Dionysios Veronikis to Scotland next spring was made as Ms Sturgeon heard demands from 25 members of the Scottish Mesh Survivors group.

Campaigner Elaine told the Barrhead News: “We’ve waited a long time for this, so it was good to finally sit down and meet her (Ms Sturgeon).

“We felt that she listened to us. I honestly think there was a realisation of just how huge a scandal she thinks it is and perhaps hearing from the women herself made her realise this.

Barrhead News: Elaine Holmes (left) with fellow campaigner Olive McIlroy (right)Elaine Holmes (left) with fellow campaigner Olive McIlroy (right)

“We’ve left feeling productive and hopeful and remain positive. We look forward to the response from the First Minister."

Campaigners want a commitment from the Scottish Government to bring Dr Veronikis to Scotland so he can train surgeons here on mesh removal procedures.

Elaine, from Newton Mearns, added: “I think we’re just really wary because we’ve participated in five different Scottish Government groups and regretted being in all of them.

“We’ve had sympathy but now we need action.”

Ms Sturgeon said she updated the women on the work the Scottish Government is doing to ensure access to treatment is provided.

She added: “I am determined that we will do everything possible to get these women the treatment they need but also that we take steps to answer any questions that they have about their past treatment.”

Ms Sturgeon said that, following a meeting with Dr Veronikis in the US, there is an agreement in principle for him to come to Scotland next year, pending requirements such as securing a temporary licence to practice in the UK.

Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw, who has championed the women’s cause, also attended Monday’s meeting.

He said: “Having done so much to ensure that women in the future don’t suffer from mesh implants, this was about women who hope something can be done to remove mesh from them and give them their lives back.”