Breast implant mum speaks of ‘three years of pain’
Katie Stewart has faulty PIP breast implants.
A WOMAN from Northampton who has suffered three years of pain with PIP breast implants, is refusing to let the taxpayer foot the bill and is pursuing the clinic for the cost of replacement.
Katie Stewart, aged 29, from Duston, was boosted from an A cup to a C cup in 2008 after changes caused by breast-feeding her children made her unhappy with her figure.
She visited the Harley Medical Group clinic in Billing Road, Northampton and underwent surgery.
However, internet research on the PIP implants she learned she had been given, instantly brought up stories about alleged internal leaks of industrial silicone into some women’s bodies.
Her surgeon assured her there was no problem with the PIP implants but soon afterwards she developed swelling in her left breast and has had problems sleeping because of the pain ever since.
But unlike some women who want the NHS to pay to rectify the mistake, she is refusing to pursue that route and is demanding Harley Medical Group replace the implants.
She said: “I was offered an NHS operation to remove them but I was pregnant at the time so it couldn’t go ahead, but I know that I could have one. But this is not the NHS’s fault. I asked the specific question about their safety and I was told they were absolutely fine. For surgeons to say they couldn’t possibly know what the implants were made from is confusing. How could they tell me they were fine if they didn’t know?
“In effect I have been supplied with a faulty product which is affecting my health. The NHS shouldn’t have to pay. Harley Medical Group should be made by the Government, not asked, to foot the bill for both removal and replacement.”
Staff at the Northampton clinic were unable to speak to reporters yesterday although a general voice loop recording told callers “we will make sure you are totally informed about and comfortable with your procedure” and “we are here to ensure you make the right decision”.
Harley Medical Group head office said it was no longer commenting on PIP implant patients as it wanted to “concentrate on resolving the issue”.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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