Scottish private clinics to be regulated
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- Published: Wednesday, 15 July 2015 07:36
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Regulation of private clinics carrying out dental and other healthcare services, including non-surgical cosmetic interventions, will begin in Scotland next year. Healthcare Improvement Scotland will start regulating private clinics from April, where services are provided by doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and dental care professionals. Currently, there is no regulation for the non-surgical cosmetic industry in the UK.
The Scottish Government has taken the step following the recommendations of the Scottish Cosmetic Interventions Expert Group. The group was set up by Scottish ministers in January 2014 to look at the best way to regulate the growing cosmetic industry. The announcement comes as new research shows that only 23 per cent of Scots have a fair amount of confidence in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Sixteen per cent of Scottish adults who have not had a cosmetic procedure have considered doing so – 21 per cent for younger people. Four per cent of the population have had a cosmetic procedure.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox, teeth whitening, laser eye surgery and dermal fillers have become more popular in recent years. The report proposes a three phase new regulation regime, starting with independent clinics next year. The second phase will look at certain high risk procedures, such as dermal fillers, which are being done in clinics provided by other health practitioners . The final phase will seek to develop a system of regulation for other groups of practitioners.
Maureen Watt, Minister for Public Health, said: “Cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, have increased massively in popularity over the last few years. As this research shows, many people are not aware that there is no regulation of independent clinics who provide non-surgical cosmetics procedures. There are many reputable practitioners in Scotland, but unfortunately there are others who do not live up to those high standards. That can lead to complications after procedures, sometimes leaving the customer with lasting injuries. By introducing a sound system of regulation and inspection we hope to reduce those instances.”
Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Dental Council, Evlynne Gilvarry, said: “The General Dental Council is very keen to have regulation of entirely private dental practices. We work with relevant bodies in the other three administrations and are keen to have similar arrangements in Scotland. The General Dental Council regulate the whole dental team so practices owned and run by dental care professionals would also be covered.”
Cosmetic procedures that require surgery are regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Since 2011 Healthcare Improvement Scotland has been responsible for regulating private hospitals where such procedures would take place.
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