In the wake of the tragic incident that occurred at the Medi Beauty Clinic in Chippendale, NSW, the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) has issued a statement calling for "stronger regulations for a range of cosmetic treatments":
“The CPCA welcomed last week’s announcement that the NSW government will review regulations for beauty clinics but has written to the Minister for Health to request that all aspects of cosmetic medicine form part of the review, so patients can rest assured they are being treated by an appropriately trained and insured expert, operating within a national uniform regulatory environment.
The CPCA is also calling on State Health Ministers to coordinate a national response, to deliver uniform regulation for the provision of cosmetic medicine in Australia.” Currently, the only states that have regulation covering the use of light devices, such as laser and IPL, are Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. The most populated states, New South Wales and Victoria, have no regulation or registration mechanisms for either the devices or the operators.
“Cosmetic medicine is a three dimensional skill, requiring a full and detailed one-on-one consultation by a medical practitioner who possesses suitable expertise in patient psychology, as well as medical conditions and comorbidity, which can affect patient management." says CPCA spokesperson Dr. Dingley, “The reality is that some practitioners are now using video to remotely perform perfunctory, inadequate consultations and then instructing nurses in beauty clinics to administer the treatment, which is an abuse of what was otherwise an excellent amendment to facilitate speedier delivery of urgent medical treatments in remote areas,” Dr Dingley said.
"The CPCA believes it is in a patient's best interest to select only qualified and experienced doctors when considering a cosmetic procedure. CPCA members focus on providing cosmetic medicine so
patients can rest assured they are being treated by an appropriately trained expert. Our members are repeatedly called upon to perform remedial treatment as a result of ‘botched’ treatments by poorly trained providers, often operating out of beauty clinics. Cases have included severe burns, facial disfigurement and the misdiagnosed treatment of skin disorders and diseases such a melanoma.
“In many such cases, the provider of the original treatment did not have the appropriate professional indemnity in place to cover the cost of remedial treatment, causing further hardship to the victim. It should be a mandatory requirement that all providers of cosmetic medicine treatments – not just doctors - carry an appropriate level of professional indemnity,” Dr Dingley said. The CPCA is also calling on State Health Ministers to coordinate a national response, to deliver uniform regulation for the provision of cosmetic medicine in Australia."
Interview opportunity:
If you would like an interview with CPCA spokesperson, Dr Mary Dingley, please contact Baden Parker-Brown: bparkerbrown@respublica.com.au
