A LONG term campaigner from Barry has given her backing to a parliamentary discussion around the potential health risks of surgical mesh.

Surgical mesh implants are currently used by doctors to treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapses, stress urinary incontinence and hernias - but many critics argue they are unsafe and can leave patients with severe, lifelong pain and discomfort.

Jemima Williams received a mesh implant in 2002, but when her body rejected it, she was left with life-changing injuries and continues to suffer with chronic pain and fatigue, amongst other symptoms. She has since campaigned to have surgical mesh banned in the UK, advocating for the suspension of its use in Scotland in 2014.

Now, she is advocating support for Barry-bred Labour MP Owen Smith, who is set to hold a meeting in Westminster this month between MPs, surgical consultants and mesh survivors over its continued use.

Also attending the meeting will be journalist and 'Sling the Mesh' campaigner Kath Sansom, who has helped transform the issue from a taboo subject into a national discussion thanks to her appearance on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire program.

Mrs Williams believes that at the very least, the meeting will help raise public awareness of the problems that surgical mesh can cause, but hopes a full ban can be achieved.

"We want a ban, obviously," she said.

"We don't want other women to have to go through what we have been through. I'd be devastated say, for example, if my granddaughter were to end up with the same sort of problems that I've had."

At present, the government maintains the stance that the benefits of surgical mesh outweigh the risks, however Mrs Williams argues that there are no figures to support this. She also says that people who suffer problems due to surgical mesh implants are not directed anywhere to report them.

"I would like to see a suspension until there's been a complete investigation into this and I don't mean just in Wales, I mean globally. I'd like to see it suspended until they've conducted proper trials and reporting by consultants of problems becomes mandatory."

Mrs Williams continues to support mesh survivors and works alongside a number of groups to help people deal with its implications, such as Global Mesh Alliance, Scottish Mesh Survivors and Sling the Mesh.

If you've been affected by any of these issues, you can find all of these groups on Facebook, ready to offer support.

Mr Smith's meeting is set to take place in Westminster on Tuesday, July 18.