On Thursday's BBC Breakfast, Charlie Stayt took a moment to deliver a sensitive content warning to viewers before diving into a health segment. Alongside Naga Munchetty on the familiar red sofa, they were ready to present the day's top stories.
Naga then took over, adding: "And it's emerged that other women have been waiting years for similar procedures in Belfast, and the Health Trust responsible has apologised to all of those who were waiting and left in pain."
During the video segment, reporter Mary relayed the harrowing account of Sylvia. In a voiceover, Mary explained: "Sylvia had vaginal mesh implants in 2014 to treat urinary stress incontinence. But last year, she started to have extreme pains, especially when passing urine. One particular episode left her traumatised.", reports the Express.
The footage showed Sylvia in tears as she recounted the emotional toll of her experience.
"My family was down from Belfast after Christmas..." she began, before becoming overwhelmed by emotion. "Sorry. I sat up in my bathroom for, I would say, a good 45 minutes, and when I went to the toilet, the bowl was just full of blood and debris.
"The pain was excruciating, I thought I was going to pass out, and I didn't want to shout down on my family because I just felt I was a burden."
After showing the piece of mesh that had come out of her body, Sylvia was informed she could face a long wait to receive medical attention from doctors.
The NHS says: "As a result of concerns raised by mesh-affected women, in April 2018 the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Hunt MP, announced a review into the use of vaginal mesh.
"The review was led by Baroness Julia Cumberlege and the report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) 'First Do No Harm' can be read here."
It explains how you can make a claim, adding: "If you have had vaginal mesh surgery as an NHS patient in England and have suffered any of the above symptoms/problems, you may be able to make a claim against the NHS.
"In addition to side effects, you may be able to claim for implants that were not inserted correctly and/or on the basis that you were given the wrong information or advice. If your surgery was carried out at a private medical organisation and you or your private medical insurer paid for the procedure, we regret we cannot deal with your claim."
You can find more information here.
During another part of the programme, Naga and Charlie were joined by Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey, discussing the Government's proposed smoking prohibition in pub gardens, alfresco dining areas, and sports arenas.
In another feature, they welcomed Dr. Merav Kliner from the UK Health Security Agency to the studio amidst calls from health officials urging parents in England to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date before school resumes.
BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.
