“There are no words to describe what the last year has been like”
PIP victim and campaigner
In December 2011 an estimated 4,000 Scottish women had their lives turned upside down when news of the PIP breast implant scandal broke. Headlines were made across the world when it was revealed a French firm, Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP), had used industrial grade silicone in breast implants which tens of thousands of women worldwide had been fitted with.
Thousands of women have suffered from a catalogue of negative health impacts as a result of the sub-standard implants with one Scottish mother tragically losing her life when her implant ruptured. A year on and campaigners are still seeking answers to why this was allowed to happen.
December is being marked as PIP implant awareness month. Spokesperson for the PIP Implants Scotland campaign group Trisha Devine said: “There are no words to describe what the last year has been like. So many women, like me, have experienced every emotion imaginable from shock to worry and pain to anger. This is an absolute scandal and has taken a year from our lives that we’ll never get back.
We will not be beaten though and no matter how many more years it takes we will fight this until the bitter end. Justice has to be done and one or more people need to accept responsibility for the mistakes which have cost many so dear.”
Thompsons Solicitors is acting for many of the Scots victims who are taking legal action seeking compensation for their suffering. A deadline of April has been set for women to register to join a class action being taken in England. Thompsons Partner Patrick McGuire thinks the looming deadline will put additional strain on women. He said: “The last year has been incredibly tough for the PIP victims we represent and many are now feeling the pressure as the deadline approaches for them to decide to either join the class action or have their case litigated as an individual.
At Thompsons we are working with some of the most impressive legal brains in the country to ensure our clients are given the best possible advice to allow us to present solid cases which will give these women the redress they deserve and a degree of closure on a hugely distressing period of their lives.”
Anyone who has been affected by the PIP scandal can call Thompsons free legal helpline on 0800 089 2050 for help and advice on making a claim.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
A dedicated Facebook page has been set up by campaigners to mark the first anniversary of the scandal.
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