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Cosmetic laser clinic investigations rise in Wales | Cosmetic laser clinic investigations rise in Wales |
(8 days later) | |
The number of cosmetic laser clinics being investigated for not being registered has increased significantly, a BBC Wales investigation has found. | The number of cosmetic laser clinics being investigated for not being registered has increased significantly, a BBC Wales investigation has found. |
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) currently checks premises providing non-surgical laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin procedures. | Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) currently checks premises providing non-surgical laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin procedures. |
It also wants the government to look at the risks of mobile laser services, botox and dermal fillers. | It also wants the government to look at the risks of mobile laser services, botox and dermal fillers. |
The Welsh government said more regulation may be given in the future. | The Welsh government said more regulation may be given in the future. |
HIW has visited 24 premises since April 2015 after reports they were dodging registration and is currently investigating a further 37. | HIW has visited 24 premises since April 2015 after reports they were dodging registration and is currently investigating a further 37. |
In 2014/15, it followed up just 10 reports of unregistered premises. Reports typically come from registered practitioners or from members of the public. | In 2014/15, it followed up just 10 reports of unregistered premises. Reports typically come from registered practitioners or from members of the public. |
Registration with HIW costs around £500 per year and is based on inspection of premises and equipment. | Registration with HIW costs around £500 per year and is based on inspection of premises and equipment. |
However, it does not include an assessment of the practitioner's training or ability. | However, it does not include an assessment of the practitioner's training or ability. |
Laser and IPL treatment are commonly used for treating skin blemishes or for hair or tattoo removal. | Laser and IPL treatment are commonly used for treating skin blemishes or for hair or tattoo removal. |
Alun Jones, director of inspection, regulation and investigations for HIW, said since 2011 there has been a 70% increase in the number of registered laser services. | Alun Jones, director of inspection, regulation and investigations for HIW, said since 2011 there has been a 70% increase in the number of registered laser services. |
He added: "We've become aware of more services which aren't registered and that's a criminal offence which can lead to a fine. | He added: "We've become aware of more services which aren't registered and that's a criminal offence which can lead to a fine. |
"They sometimes dodge the regulation, don't want to pay the fee, don't want the scrutiny, but sometimes they're naïve and don't realise what's required of them under the regulations." | "They sometimes dodge the regulation, don't want to pay the fee, don't want the scrutiny, but sometimes they're naïve and don't realise what's required of them under the regulations." |
HIW also wants a national register of non-surgical cosmetic practitioners. | HIW also wants a national register of non-surgical cosmetic practitioners. |
Locum consultant dermatologist Maria Gonzalez, who works in the NHS and private practice, said she had come across several patients who had suffered severe burns and scarring during laser treatment. | |
'Major disaster' | 'Major disaster' |
"It's about how you manage those complications - about recognising there's a problem and stopping before it becomes a major disaster," she said. | "It's about how you manage those complications - about recognising there's a problem and stopping before it becomes a major disaster," she said. |
The Public Health (Wales) Bill is currently being scrutinised by the Welsh Assembly's health and social care committee and a report is expected at the end of November. | The Public Health (Wales) Bill is currently being scrutinised by the Welsh Assembly's health and social care committee and a report is expected at the end of November. |
The bill includes specific proposals for a licensing scheme for providers of tattoo, acupuncture, body piercing and electrolysis, which will be run by local authorities. | The bill includes specific proposals for a licensing scheme for providers of tattoo, acupuncture, body piercing and electrolysis, which will be run by local authorities. |
But a Welsh government spokesman said: "Whilst certain procedures have not been included… the legislation enables ministers to amend, via regulations, the list of special procedures." | But a Welsh government spokesman said: "Whilst certain procedures have not been included… the legislation enables ministers to amend, via regulations, the list of special procedures." |
A Welsh government Green Paper on NHS governance, which is currently out for consultation, is also expected to result in changes to the way HIW works. | A Welsh government Green Paper on NHS governance, which is currently out for consultation, is also expected to result in changes to the way HIW works. |