Alarm bells are ringing over surgeons' ability to use surgical mesh.

Due to concerns about avoidable harm, the Health Ministry's set up a credential process for highly-specialised urogynecological operations.

In the first round of assessments, 12 surgeons applied but only half met the requirements.

Some are calling for the practice to be suspended.

Wellington Hospital's Clinical Lead for Gynaecology, Nick Bedford told Mike Hosking that the use of products such as mesh implants have reduced over the past decade.

He says there are still some that are used, and that there is a place for them, but they need to be used safely with patients' full consent and awareness.

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