BAPRAS supports launch of new surgeon certification to improve standards of care in sector

MEDIA STATEMENT- Embargoed: 6 November 2015

The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) today welcomes the launch of a new certification process for surgeons by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) to improve standards of care in the cosmetic surgery sector. 

Tim Goodacre, BAPRAS member of RCS Council and a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, said:

“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.” 

BAPRAS, which represents plastic surgeons on behalf of the Royal Colleges, is a member of the Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee (CSIC), which was established to set standards for practice and training, establish a system of certification for surgeons to demonstrate whether they meet these standards, support the accessibility of outcome data, and help patients to make informed decisions about their surgery.

The Committee was set up following Sir Bruce Keogh’s review in 2013 into the regulation of cosmetic interventions, highlighting an urgent need for robust regulation of cosmetic practice.

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About BAPRAS
BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, is the voice of plastic surgery in the UK. It aims to increase the understanding of the professional specialty and scope of plastic surgery, promoting innovation in teaching, learning and research.

Founded in 1946 (originally as the British Association of Plastic Surgeons), today BAPRAS has over 800 members and is the professional representative body for reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeons providing services to patients on the NHS and privately in the UK. Members of the public can find a member plastic surgeon in their area by logging on to www.bapras.org.uk. Anyone can check the GMC to find out if a surgeon is on the plastic surgery specialist register; http://www.gmc-uk.org/register/search/index.asp 
 
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