§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to regulate more effectively cosmetic surgery clinics to ensure that medically qualified personnel undertaking surgical procedures are full qualified to carry out these operations. [23687]
§ Mr. MilburnThe Registered Homes Act 1984 provides for the registration and inspection of private cosmetic surgery clinics by health authorities. The General Medical Council has powers to instigate disciplinary procedures in cases of alleged seriously deficient professional performance, as well as serious professional misconduct. Anyone who attempted to perform a cosmetic procedure, but who was not competent to do so, would also expose themselves to the risk of civil, and possibly criminal, liability, and/or to professional proceedings for misconduct. We will be considering whether further safeguards are needed.