Support for the RCS cosmetic surgery project
A range of stakeholders have publicly endorsed the CSIC’s work and the plans for certification. Read their statements below.
Health Minister Ben Gummer:
“All patients deserve safe, skilled care which is why we asked the Royal College of Surgeons to develop this new certification system for cosmetic surgery. This is a vital step and means patients will be able to clearly see which surgeons are certified to perform cosmetic surgery and make informed decisions about their care as a result.”
Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the General Medical Council:
“Patients of all ages seeking cosmetic procedures can be vulnerable and they do need to be better protected. This is a great initiative by the College which represents an important step towards a safer system. The GMC is also working with the college to develop a new accreditation scheme which we would approve and would show which doctors have the skills needed to carry out cosmetic procedures.
“Although this will need legislation, we have already banned doctors from prescribing Botox and other injectables to any patient without a face to face consultation. Next year we will publish new guidance aimed at doctors offering cosmetic treatments which will set out the standards we expect. It will also make clear that doctors must allow patients enough time to make a decision about their treatment and that they must market their services responsibly.”
Heidi Smoult, Deputy Chief Inspector for Hospitals at the Care Quality Commission:
“The certification is a sensible step to make the cosmetic surgery sector more transparent and encourage improvement within the sector. People will be able to look at the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) own ratings of independent services that carry out cosmetic surgery alongside the register of accredited surgeons that meet the required standards.
“Any information that protects people and helps them to choose their care is welcome.
“During an inspection, CQC will take account of the RCS standards and certification system and use this information when making a judgement about the quality and safety of services being provided.”
Tim Goodacre, The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) member of RCS Council and a Consultant Plastic Surgeon:
“We fully welcome the surgeon certification launched today and hope it will start to address our concerns over inconsistent professional standards within cosmetic surgical practice. The measure, if rigorously enforced, will help protect patients from unscrupulous and poorly trained practitioners.
“This is the first statutory action since Sir Bruce Keogh’s review of cosmetic surgery regulation and will allow the public and employers to distinguish between highly qualified, experienced surgeons, from those who are working without adequate insurance or the necessary specialist training.
“We encourage all appropriately qualified surgeons to apply for certification to help ensure the highest standards of patient safety and care.”
Mike Davidson, Chairman of The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS):
“BAOMS welcomes this new system of certification which will benefit both surgeons and patients. The criteria has been developed over two years by the Royal College of Surgeons and the Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee.
“By achieving certification, surgeons will be able to demonstrate to patients that they meet the highest professional standards of training and a commitment to patient safety. A database of certified surgeons will help guide patients as they choose the right surgeon for their chosen cosmetic procedure. Our recommendation to our members is that they consider certification at the earliest opportunity.”