A former health secretary has tabled a private members’ bill to improve the regulation of cosmetic surgery.

The bill, introduced by Rt Hon Lord Lansley, will enable employers and patients to check if their surgeon is properly qualified in their field of work.

Should the bill be passed by MPs, the General Medical Council will be able to note on its medical register which surgeons have the Royal College of Surgeons’ (RCS) cosmetic surgery certification.

Steve Cannon, Vice-President of the RCS said, “Surgeons have long campaigned for the regulation of cosmetic surgery to be improved.”

“At present, patients have to rely on word-of-mouth to know which surgeons are able to adequately perform cosmetic surgery. This is simply unacceptable.”

If the private members’ bill is introduced and passed by the House of Lords, it then goes on to the House of Commons for debate. If approved in the House of Commons, it will then become law.

David Ward, president of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons, said: “We trust that all Members of Parliament will support this pragmatic and self-evident bill.”

“Patients will be able to avoid doctors who do not have qualifications for cosmetic operations or whose qualifications are inadequate, such as just having completed a weekend course.”

Michael Saul, from Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, said, “The passing of this bill would be a significant and much-needed step forward in the better regulation of cosmetic surgery.”

If you have experienced substandard care from a cosmetic surgeon, get in touch with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors to see if you are entitled to claim for compensation. Call us on 0808 252 7176, or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back.