NICOLA Sturgeon will meet campaigners whose lives have been blighted by mesh implants.

In 20 years more than 100,000 women across the UK had transvaginal mesh implants but its use in Scotland was suspended in 2014 except in “exceptional circumstances” after it transpired that some were suffering painful side effects.

However, it later emerged that the procedure continued to be used by clinicians after its use was suspended.

An immediate ban on the procedure was announced by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman last September.

Since the ban was put in place no mesh implants have been carried out in Scotland.

Earlier this year American expert in mesh removal Dr Dionysios Veronikis offered to come to Scotland to treat patients but later withdrew the offer amid claims he had been blocked by the medical hierarchy.

Elaine Holmes, leader of the campaign, said: “Scottish mesh survivors have long requested a meeting in our fight for justice and we are pleased that this has now arisen.

“It is vital that the meeting is used to address a number of substantive issues where progress must be made such as bringing Dr Veronikis to Scotland.”