BAPRAS responds to approval of European standard to regulate aesthetic surgery practices in EU

18th June 2014

 

BAPRAS welcomes the approval of the European Standard for Aesthetic Surgery Services (EN 16372) which was developed to improve the level of aesthetic surgery services to enhance patient safety and satisfaction, and reduce the risk of complications. 

The standard aims to promote consistently high standards for aesthetic surgery service providers across Europe and the UK and has been developed in conjunction with a second proposed European Standard on non—surgical cosmetic treatments, which is still under deliberation. 

BAPRAS Deputy President and consultant plastic surgeon Nigel Mercer said:
 “We often hear and see cases within aesthetic surgery where patients have suffered complications or faced unnecessary risks as a result of poorly qualified practitioners. Patient safety has to be the primary consideration for everyone working within this specialised field. 

“Now, the impending European standard for Aesthetic Surgery Services means that patients can have the peace of mind that they are being treated by an appropriately qualified practitioner, in an appropriate facility, in accordance to set guidelines, which include standards on advertising."

The standard provides a set of requirements, which are considered essential for the provision of aesthetic surgery services by private facilities. It covers the entire service level: before, during and after the aesthetic procedure has been carried out. Requirements include ethics and marketing, consultation procedure and available facilities. 

EN 16372 is being developed collaboratively by BSI, the UK’s National Standards Body and will enable surgical clinics in the UK – in the absence of government legislation, to work towards achieving best practice in this field. 

Nigel Mercer continues: 
“We are delighted that the standard has been approved and hope it will help to ensure the highest quality care and best outcomes for patients.”

Ends

Follow BAPRAS on Twitter at @BAPRASvoice

About BAPRAS


BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 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

About BSI 


BSI (British Standards Institution) is the business standards company that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, manage risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Renowned for its marks of excellence including the consumer recognized BSI Kitemark™, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 72,000 clients in 150 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe. To learn more, please visit www.bsigroup.com

 

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