Observations
Standards set to address patient safety across EU for aesthetics procedures
Project committee aims to harmonise regulations
EU standards for patient safety in aesthetic procedures have taken a step forward with a project committee meeting scheduled for September.
The European Committee for Standardisation says the formation of a committee (CEN/TC 403) and an agreement on common standards is needed to address the rise in medical tourism and help ensure patients' safety.
European Standards are legally only voluntary but they can help consumers make more informed choices and complement legislation.
European committee programme manager Guido De Jongh says all 27 EU member states have responded positively. Each country, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Croatia and Iceland, will be allowed to enlist up to three delegates each on the committee, most of whom will be practitioners.
The process of agreeing and formalising EU standards takes three years on average. Once finalised, practitioners will be able to apply for certification to show they comply with the new EU standard.
Nigel Mercer, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, has been invited to participate in the creation of the standards. “The UK, as many other countries, has so far failed to put in place adequate regulations or standards to protect the public from unscrupulous providers who are mainly preoccupied with profit.
“I will be delighted to join the new project committee for aesthetic surgery services and help design a solid Europe-wide framework which will ensure patients can rely on safe treatment and facilities wherever they might be,” Mr Mercer says.
