HIS (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) Inspection

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HIS (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) Inspection report of my clinic

As an experienced doctor, I always aim for the highest standards and clinical outcomes for patients and am continually looking for new scientifically proven ways to improve treatments.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland, HIS, regulates independent hospitals, hospices and clinics. HIS has one purpose – better quality health care for everyone in Scotland.

Their priorities are

  • Enabling people to make informed decisions about their care and treatment.
  • Helping health professionals redesign and continuously improve services.
  • Provide quality assurance that gives people confidence in the services.

Independent clinics are defined in the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 as clinics that are not part of a hospital and from which a medical practitioner, dental practitioner, registered nurse, registered midwife or dental care professional (clinical dental technician, dental hygienist, dental nurse, dental technician, dental therapist, orthodontic therapist) who provides a service which is not part of NHS Scotland.

Scotland is the first country in the UK to begin regulating services that provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments, the regulation of independent clinics is the first stage in improving safety and care for the increasing number of people seeking non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.

The clinic at 17 Ellieslea Road where I carry out cosmetic procedures, With The Moment Cosmetic Medical Practice Ltd,  is fully registered with HIS. I am delighted to say that the inspection report just published recognises my work as a professional in a very positive light.

The focus of HIS inspections is to ensure each service is person-centred, safe and well led. They evaluate the service against these three key quality indicators. It is important to realise that the HIS repost and HIS registration make judgements on the fabric and function of the clinic. They DO NOT assess the clinical skills, capability or experience of the people carrying out the procedures. So even with a HIS regulated clinic potential patients should still make very considered judgements as to whether the person offering treatment has the knowledge and skills to not only perform the treatment but provide essential back up if complications develop.

Some of the comments from my HIS report include

‘The service proactively involved patients in having choice and control over their treatment plan, taking into account their individual preferences and desired outcomes. Feedback from patient questionnaires and website testimonials were positive and very complimentary about the quality of the service provided.’

‘Good systems were in place to make sure care and treatment was delivered safely in a clean and well maintained environment.’

‘Results of a recent audit of patient experiences confirmed a high degree of satisfaction and positive personal outcomes for patients.’

‘The service had good governance systems to ensure the safe delivery of care and treatment for its patients’

‘Assessments, treatment plans and follow-up care were well documented and included patients’ individual wishes and desired outcomes.’

‘The service was clean and well maintained.’

‘A medical emergency kit was available in the clinic room and the owner/manager was suitably skilled and experienced to deliver advanced life support in the event of a medical emergency’

‘The service offers a free initial consultation for patients before a personal treatment plan is agreed. This includes a face-to-face discussion between doctor and patient to establish individual expectations of treatment and desired personal outcomes. There is also an opportunity for patients to have a ‘cooling off period’ to consider treatment options.’

Website testimonials were all positive and feedback from the service’s own patient questionnaires showed high levels of satisfaction about the quality of the service. Some comments included:

‘I feel completely confident… provides excellent advice and treatment.’ | ‘I do and will continue to strongly recommend… for anyone considering treatment.’ | ‘… a polite, professional healthcare person who provided an excellent service.’ | ‘I’m very happy with the service… very informative and knowledgeable about the services she offers.’

‘Healthcare Improvement Scotland has not been notified of any recorded accidents or incidents involving patients since the service was registered. A clear procedure was in place to report adverse events and notifications to the relevant authorities.’

HIS can be contacted at

Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB
Tel 0131 623 4300

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Accreditations & Qualifications

MBChB, MRCP Ed, FRCA, DICM, FFICM, MD

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