Insider News
aestheticsjournal.com
The Word
Legal
This month the Government’s response to the Keogh review has left many stakeholders shocked by the lack of implementation of the majority of its recommendations. Without decisive action from our regulatory authorities, it is more important than ever that surgeons and clinicians share knowledge and expertise in order to benefit patients, and that we work together to eradicate the ‘cowboy’ practitioners, who prey on vulnerable people. A key component of Keogh’s recommendations was the call to publish outcome data across all providers. The Government appears to have ignored this proposal, missing a vital opportunity to establish greater clarity in the cosmetic sector and, as a consequence, increasing the risks to patients. It is now crucial that we collectively address the data vacuum to ensure that treatments on offer are evidence-based, and that all centres produce freely-available safety results. We know of the risks, as well as the benefits, of aesthetic treatment and as professionals we invariably agree that these treatments are not appropriate for every would-be patient. However, in a culture where ‘enhanced’ beauty is increasingly popular (the BAAPS 2013 annual audit showed record numbers of patients going under the knife), our shared goal must be to educate the public about the dangers of an unregulated sector, where cheap, unproven and often unsafe aesthetic treatment is sold ‘off the shelf,’ like toothpaste or nail varnish. BAAPS has long been calling for an injection of common sense to remodel the sector, and our collective efforts must ensure that patient care always comes before profit.
Mr Paul Harris Consultant plastic surgeon and council member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
RCN indemnity scheme no longer covers aesthetic practice Changes to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) indemnity scheme means that aesthetic nurses will no longer be covered. At present the RCN indemnity scheme is a contractual arrangement providing members with cover for clinical negligence claims. Commencing July 1, 2014, all employed RCN members will be excluded from the scheme’s coverage in a bid to stop employers moving the burden of risk onto the RCN. Most self-employed members will still be covered by the scheme, apart from those working in the field of aesthetic medicine. Christopher Cox, director of legal service at the RCN, claimed that the RCN has spent in excess of £1,500,000 on aesthetic claims since 2004. “In the light of the claims history involving aesthetic practitioners, the RCN will in future no longer be able to provide indemnity cover for our members practising in this area,” he said. “This will affect both self-employed members and those working under a contract of employment. Members practising in aesthetics remain protected by the full range of other legal advice and support services available to RCN members, including workplace difficulties, NMC referrals, personal injury accidents and so on. “ The BACN responded, stating, “Those 78% of members (BACN) who are also RCN members will have been shocked to hear the news that the RCN, from July, will exclude aesthetic nursing from their insurance cover. Whilst we have no expectation that the RCN will change its stance, we will be asking for further information on why and how they reached this momentous decision, which we feel sends out a very negative message without the necessary detail to qualify it.” Training
Talk Aesthetics #Keogh Tchauhanconsultancy / @tchauhan01 @aestheticsgroup this is a wasted opportunity patient safety clearly not important for gov #advertising ReVamp / @ReVampClinics @aestheticsgroup great piece on POM and advertising... first rule of Botox club...you can’t say Botox #Simple #ACE Dr Johanna Ward / @DrJohannaWard I am presenting a masterclass at @ aestheticsgroup conference on 8 March for anyone interested in the science & art of @ CoolSculptingUK #ACE If you would like to be featured in next month’s letter section, email us at editorial@aestheticsjornal.com, or follow us at Twitter @aestheticsgroup and include #talkaesthetics in your comments. 6
Mesotherapy society launches in UK The Society of Mesotherapy of the United Kingdom (SOMUK) has been launched to promote the use of Mesotherapy in the UK. The society provides access to the latest Mesotherapy tools and information for all disciplines including: Facial rejuvenation, Lipolysis, Fat Reduction, Cellulite, MesoSculpting, Mesolift, Mesobotox, Alopecia and Pain Management. Mesotherapy remains relatively unknown to many aesthetic practitioners in the UK, though a popular aesthetic treatment in France, South America, and Europe. The SOMUK is the exclusive member of the International Society of Mesotherapy (SIM) and works closely with the French Society of Mesotherapy. SOMUK courses are CPD accredited within the UK. President Dr Philippe Hamida-Pisal said, “The SOMUK teaches the art, science, techniques and procedures of Mesotherapy to licensed practitioners, regardless of their specialty. We provide education and hands-on training within the UK and across the globe.” New member Dr Mohamed Bocus said, “I am a GP in the UK and traditionally we are sceptics about the benefits of alternative medicine. However, with growing interests from patients we need to learn more about what is available.” Aesthetics | March 2014