Industry associations issue guidance for clinics on reopening

The JCCP (Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners), BCAM (British College of Aesthetic Medicine), BACN (British Association of Cosmetic Nurses) and BAS (British Association of Sclerotherapists have released statements or guidance to members about getting started with clinical practice post-lockdown. 

 

JCCP

The JCCP has produced an in-depth document designed to ensure best practice is adopted as far as is reasonably possible once clinics re-open. Covid-19 – Preparing your place of work: covid-19 & return to practice states, “There should be no compromise in safety for financial gain.”

And, “We cannot support a resumption of practice during the Government-imposed lockdown or advise on specific dates for reopening (although the Government have advised that beauty salons will not open until at least the 4 July 2020). Government advice on resumption of practice should form part of the decision to reopen, along with your ability to implement an informed risk-assessed policy, and other material factors that may impinge on your capacity to perform safely and responsibly.” 

The core principles behind the JCCP’s guidance has been agreed by independent and expert opinion in the CPSA (Cosmetic Practice standards Authority). 

The document includes sections on standard precautions, triage, reception areas, staff, PPE, equipment, cleaning and waste management and audit, as well as other considerations such as consent, testing and risk assessment. It can be accessed here. 

 

BCAM

BCAM released a statement on 14 May to let members know that it had sought counsel from a QC in the field of public law in order to define an exact legal position. A full text of the opinion will be available to members, along with a suite of documents on processes relating to risk assessment, operation and protocols to support practitioners in the early-post lockdown phase.

BCAM president Dr Uliana Gout said: “I am delighted the BCAM team have risen to the covid-19 challenge. There has been a focused and combined effort to obtain independent legal opinion based on the current government guidance, alongside clinical protocols for re-opening. 

“I am certain these will be of great benefit to BCAM members as they look to re-start their practices. This is the quality of service to members that we have always prided ourselves on as the organisation leading the aesthetic medicine industry.”

BCAM board member Dr Kathleen Long represented the association in a meeting with HIS (Health Improvement Scotland) yesterday (19 May) to discuss the issues facing the industry. Ahead of the meeting, an urgent virtual members’ meeting was held on 15 May to gather the views of BCAM members. 

Greg White, chief executive of BCAM said: “It is crucial that doctors and dentists working in aesthetic medicine have a say in its regulation and organisation. BCAM emphasises safe practice which protects both patients and clinicians alike as well as ensuring that Members are accessing appropriate training.”

 

BACN

The BACN has released guidance for its members in the form of a document titled Suggested Operational Plan Guidelines for Covid-19: Reintegration of Medical Aesthetic Services. 

The document has been emailed to all BACN members. It begins by calling on point 19.4 of the NMC (Nursing Midwifery Council) Code: “Take all reasonable personal precautions necessary to avoid any potential health risks to colleagues, people receiving care and the public.” 

Sections covered in the document are similar to that of the JCCP guidance, and include advice on clinical rooms, treatments, payments, mobile working, insurance and tips. 

The BACN agrees that practitioners should follow Government announcements on a suitable reopening date, following regional guidelines if based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.  

On this point, BACN chair Sharon Bennett commented: “The BACN has been working to get detailed clarification from the Government. As soon as we have this clarification, it will be posted on our website. It should be stressed that any decision to reopen clinics will be down to individual members.” 

The document can be viewed here. 

 

BAS

The British Association of Sclerotherapists is holding a webinar on 20 June to lay out a comprehensive blueprint on re-opening after lockdown for its members and other aesthetic and dermatology practitioners alike. 

The three-hour webinar will bring together a body of experts with a view to laying out all information a clinic owner or manager needs ahead of re-opening. Content will include “up-to-the-minute expert advice on when it is advisable to open, risk-assessment templates, safeguarding and supporting staff, infection control, patient selection and management, how to use marketing to re-establish a client-base, implementing telemedicine and diversification options to re-build a healthy cash flow.” 

BAS chairman Dr Stephen Tristram commented, “Whether, when and how to re-open my practice are the big questions going through my mind at this stage, and I’m certain many others are in the same boat. 

The BAS 2020 conference has of course been cancelled for the time being, and we are excited to be supporting practitioners by putting together the definitive guide to bringing our clinics out of lockdown and rebuilding a healthy practice. This webinar will be invaluable to all aesthetic, dermatology and vascular practitioners.”

Register for the webinar here.