Bad cosmetic clinics could be named and shamed under new proposals

A new eight-week consultation has been announced by the Department of Health into the possibility of rating cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK.

The proposals would see the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) rating system expanded to cosmetic clinics, independent community health providers, ambulance services and dialysis units – around 1,000 additional healthcare facilities would be included.

"Anyone who chooses to have a cosmetic procedure should have high quality and safe care – and that's why we have a tough regulator in place to help people make an informed decision," said Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

"Our proposals to extend the CQC's powers to rate more providers are an important step forward in improving standards and will help to end the lottery of poor practice in parts of the cosmetic industry."

Though the CQC does currently inspect cosmetic clincs, it does not rate them as it does with GP surgeries and hospitals.

The proposals are described to be a necessary step to improve safety in the industry and give patients a more informed choice.

The proposals are also thought to have come about in light of the 2012 PIP scandal where thousands of women had to have breast implants removed after they were discovered to be filled with a substandard type of silicone.