Women were told to expect ‘definitive advice’ on faulty breast implants by the end of the week by Andrew Lansley, the health secretary. Lansley told  BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning that as a result ‘inadequacy and inconsistency’ of data provided by private clinics and private healthcare providers they were being given 48 hours to provide ‘clear data’ to enable Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, who is leading a review into the scandal, to provide ‘as clear advice as they can’.

Andrew Lansley said: ‘What they did say was that on the date that they have seen so far that was that there advice continues to be that there is no case for the routine removal of these implants because there is no safety concern that would justify the risk of a surgical operation for women to remove these implants.’

There is conflicting information about the rupture rate of defective PIP (Poly Implant Prothese) implants. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s figures indicate 1% of implants in the UK have ruptured, however reports vary – see here.

The law firm Hugh James is acting for some 250 women with PIP implants. Partner Mark Harvey criticised  ‘contradictory releases’ from cosmetic surgery clinics and the French and British Authorities ‘at this anxious time for women affected’. He is calling on the MHRA to provide clear guidelines and advice to women. He has been particularly  critical of the Agency since it allowed the sale of implants in the UK for failing to listen to concerns about the implants  and a refusal to meet with his clients.

For more information, read HERE.