Support for transvaginal surgical mesh patients

Find out where to get support for urogynecological (transvaginal) surgical mesh patients.

Last updated

19 December 2023

State-based and non-government support services are available to women with transvaginal mesh related complications.

Women injured by transvaginal (pelvic) mesh implants in Australia can get help from:

Women in any state or territory can make an appointment with their doctor to discuss concerns and ask questions. Some states and territories have specialised transvaginal mesh support lines.

Centrelink websites and support lines

Payments for people living with an illness, injury or disability - external site
Information about claiming Disability Support Pension - external site.
Claim for Disability Support Pension Medical Evidence Checklist form - external site.
Medical evidence checklist for treating health professionals - external site.
People with a disability can call 13 27 17
To contact social work services call 13 28 50

There are a range of other ways to contact Services Australia - external site.

Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides financial support to people with permanent disability. The pension is for those that can’t work more than 15 hours a week.

Medical and non-medical eligibility requirements:

The condition must be permanent.
The person is unable to work for more than 15 hours or more per week.
The disability (physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairment) must attract at least 20 points when assessed under the work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension Tables (Impairment Tables). The Impairment Tables are function-based rather than diagnosis based.
Medical evidence from the treating medical practitioner on:
- the condition,
- diagnosis,
- clinical features,
- symptoms,
- treatment and
- stabilityis required.
Residency requirements and income tests.

For further information see the Services Australia- external site - external site website.