Nurses oppose laser surgery deregulation
- Published: 10 July 2008 16:25
- Author: Alice Coubrough
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- Last Updated: 10 July 2008 16:25
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Nurses and patient groups have called on the government to reconsider plans to deregulate cosmetic laser surgery.
The Government published its consultation paper on 'Private and Voluntary Health Care: Care Standards Act 2000' in March 2008.
It included the partial deregulation of non-surgical laser treatments such as hair removal and skin treatments from current healthcare regulation.
The Royal College of Nursing, Which? and 30 patient groups, medical bodies, cosmetic clinics and industry representatives are joining forces in opposing the Government plan.
They have sent a signed joint letter to health minister Ben Bradshaw MP asking for the plan to be halted.
Dr Peter Carter, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said: 'The RCN is concerned that this decision could potentially enable individuals without qualifications to perform laser and other treatments on patients, which would pose a serious health risk to patients and damage confidence in the industry'.
