Kerry Watson, a 40-year-old mother of three, received over £100,000 in compensation after a botched surgery left her in chronic pain, but she says it “doesn’t touch the sides.” Twenty-five women, including Kerry, underwent unnecessary gynaecological procedures between 2002 and 2016 led by NHS surgeon Dr. Derek Klazinga. These surgeries have resulted in ongoing pain and trauma for many. Kerry had surgery in 2014 for a bladder prolapse, where two types of artificial mesh were implanted. She was not informed of the risks, leading to severe complications and a PTSD diagnosis in 2024. “I take 120 tablets a week and never felt relief from the pain,” Kerry shared.
Kerry’s legal battle revealed experts believed her symptoms could have been managed with less invasive treatments. The Betsi Cadwaladr health board admitted failings, acknowledging other non-surgical options should have been discussed. In April 2025, Kerry secured compensation as a settlement for not being offered alternatives and for inadequate risk disclosure. However, after legal fees, she was left with £97,200. “It won’t cover all those nights I’ve spent crying in pain,” she said.
Several women have received a collective £600,000 in compensation, with the health board paying over £5 million over the past decade for errors in gynaecological treatment. Some women said they’d never consented to these procedures. Dr. Klazinga, who has since retired, affirmed he was unaware of the risks associated with the now-banned mesh products. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has since apologised, promising to improve consent and treatment standards for future patients. For more on this investigative story, catch the full coverage on “Y Byd ar Bedwar” on BBC iPlayer.