Today the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has recommended fostering strong linkages between the nursing profession and the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) to improve patient outcomes following cosmetic procedures.
At a parliamentary inquiry into cosmetic health services complaints in New South Wales, ACN provided input on improving the framework for complaints regarding cosmetic health service providers.
The inquiry was launched in response to recent incidents of cosmetic procedures which resulted in adverse patient outcomes. These incidents indicate there is still uncertainty on how to protect and improve delivery of care to patients.
“By engaging and collaborating with the nursing profession, the HCCC can develop strategies to better regulate professionals and service providers, and ensure regulation keeps pace with sector developments and restore public trust in the cosmetic industry,” said Australian College of Nursing CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.
“Nurses work in all settings, including cosmetic clinics. Those who work in this setting must be aware of their professional and legislative responsibilities and service requirements.
“For this reason, the Australian College of Nursing, in conjunction with the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, has developed an information sheet to clarify nursing’s role in cosmetic procedures.
“The ‘Administering cosmetic treatment and cosmetic procedures’ information sheet is designed to provide a background of the nursing scope in this industry to better protect and improve patient safety.
“ACN has established a Community of Interest (CoI) for Cosmetic Nursing to help examine and better inform on this emerging area of nursing.”
The Australian College of Nursing also supports the position statement released by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) on nurses and cosmetic procedures.
To view ACN’s information sheet, click here: https://www.acn.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Administering-cosmetic-treatment-and-cosmtic-procedures-FINAL.pdf
