MP calls for investigation of private dentistry
- Details
- Published: Sunday, 19 February 2012 11:43
- Written by News Editor
- Hits: 2014
Speaking in a debate on the PIP breast implants, Labour MP for Rhondda Chris Bryant suggested that laser surgery clinics to the list of places to be investigated. He also wanted the Secretary of State to look into private dentists, ‘many of which are encouraging patients to undergo operations that they certainly do not need’ |
Mr Lansley replied: "I will reserve my position on dentistry, because there is a very wide range and cosmetic intervention constitutes a substantial proportion of overall dentistry activity, but I will happily consider whether there is an issue to be dealt with.”
The first review, of cosmetic treatments will be led by Lord Howe, the Minister for Quality, will establish what happened in the UK when the MHRA and Department of Health learnt about the situation with PiP implants in France. He will submit a report to the Health Secretary by the end of March this year.
The second review will be led by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS Medical Director, and will look at whether the cosmetic surgery industry needs to be more effectively regulated. This review will take around a year to complete given the complexities of the issues. He will aim to give a report to the Health Secretary by March 2013.
Sir Bruce said: "I am working with experts from the plastic surgery field to look at what we can do to make sure people who choose to have cosmetic surgery and other cosmetic procedures are safe.
“I will be looking at all aspects of regulation - at the regulation of implants and fillers, at whether the people who carry out cosmetic interventions have the right skills, at whether the clinics look after the care and welfare of their patients. This would include treatments such as cosmetic surgery, botox injections and dermal fillers and other cosmetic treatments where there is a potential risk to health.
“There is already considerable support for a comprehensive register of significant surgical devices - from breast implants to heart valves to replacement joints. We will be looking critically at the value and feasibility of such a register and at how best to put this into action."
You need to be logged in to leave comments.
Report