UK Government’s Crackdown on Rogue Cosmetic Procedures
Healthcare Regulation Partner Christian Carr has welcomed the UK Government’s new measures to clamp down on unsafe cosmetic procedures, in comments featured in Healthcare Management Magazine.
The reforms, announced by Health Minister Karin Smyth, will ban high-risk procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lifts unless carried out by Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered healthcare professionals. Lower-risk treatments like Botox and lip fillers will also face tougher local authority licensing. A public consultation is expected early next year.
In his comments, Christian noted that the reforms address long-standing gaps in regulation, which have led to serious adverse outcomes for patients.
“One theme in such reports is the surprise and confusion on the part of members of the public about the lack of regulatory monitoring and control of the people and places offering these services,” Christian said.
Christian added that regulated providers will likely welcome the changes, as they support patient safety and reinforce the reputations of ethical practitioners, while also stressing that the reforms must be backed by “sensible and robust enforcement” to be effective.
The government’s plan is said to aim to protect patients, reduce costs to the NHS from botched procedures, and support safe, professional practitioners.
Spencer West advises clients on healthcare regulation, compliance, and clinical governance matters.
Read the full article via Healthcare Management Magazine: Crackdown on cowboy cosmetics announced