BAPRAS welcomes launch of national breast implant registry to drive patient safety

15 October 2016- Update
Please note the breast and cosmetic implant registry was launched on 15 October 2016 and has been developed by NHS Digital, not HSCIC, as stated in the below press release. For more information on the launch, click here

30 November 2015

The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) supports the introduction of a mandatory national breast implant registry due to launch in 2016. 

Nigel Mercer, BAPRAS President and a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, said:

“We fully welcome the launch of a national breast implant registry which we strongly believe will help to ensure that patients receive safe, high quality care."

“BAPRAS has long championed the need for a compulsory register for breast implants to protect patients and has worked with a number of organisations to make this a reality. Our involvement with ICOBRA - International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities - builds on best practice and already operates successfully in Australia.” 

The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) is currently developing a breast implant registry on behalf of the Department of Health. Data capture is expected to begin in early 2016, with the registry currently due to go live on 1st April 2016.

The registry is designed to capture all breast implant surgery carried out both privately and by the NHS, and is being produced in response to Recommendation 21 of the Keogh Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions. The register will allow patients to be traced in the event of an implant recall. 

Ends

For more information please contact Harry Day on 020 7403 2230 or email baprasteam@forster.co.uk

Follow BAPRAS on Twitter at @BAPRASvoice

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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