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In January 2012 we reported on the growing number of women suffering complications associated with an implantable plastic mesh known as a trans-vaginal tape or TVT. It’s designed to help with Stress Urinary Incontinence and is surgically fitted to support the urethra like a sling or a hammock. In a worrying number of cases, however, the mesh was disintegrating, triggering inflammation and infection. The Radio 4 programme has since undertaken a detailed investigation about the use of the mesh tape, as well as mesh patches which are used in cases of bladder or uterus prolapse, which raises concerns over the testing procedures for new surgical devices. Jane gives an update on what they’ve discovered.

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In 1962 Aileen Graham-Jones appeared on Woman’s Hour to talk about her experiences as one of the first women to qualify as a motor mechanic and her summer of driving Emmeline Pankhurst in 1911.Ìý In this rare archive recording she talks about her struggle to get behind the wheel and to drive in a long skirt and veil once she got there. ÌýProfessor Krista Cowman of the University of Lincoln joins Jane to talk about women in early motoring, Mrs Pankhurst and the suffragette struggle.Ìý

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The interview with Aileen Graham-Jones forms part of the . This is an archive of gems from 63 years of the programme and is available online as part of theÌýWoman's Hour Ìýwebsite. Each week we will be making one of the interviews available as a .

Our series looking at the working lives of mothers who have a child with a disability continues today as we talk about how those challenges change as their child grows up. Linda Roberts, mum of Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock, talks about the difficulties of ‘letting go’. She now works at the charity supporting parents so they can give their child more freedom. And 31 year old Chris Whitaker, who has cerebral palsy,Ìýexplains to Jane how important it is to lead an independent life.

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