The Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, has informed the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children that the Department of Health is preparing legislation to regulate cosmetic surgery. This emerged at the Committee’s recent questioning of Dr Reilly regarding the management of approximately 1,500 women identified as having received the controversial Poly Implant Prothese (“PIP”) silicone breast implants. 

On 30 March 2010, there was a recall of PIP implants which were manufactured between 2001 and 2010 using unauthorised industrial grade silicone. The implants were used in private clinics for aesthetic reasons and not in public hospitals. The recall and the management of patients’ concerns by the cosmetic clinics involved raised the issue of regulation of cosmetic surgery in Ireland.

In answer to the Committee’s questions, Dr Reilly referred to the Licensing of Healthcare Facilities Bill which is currently being worked on by his department and should, according to Dr Reilly, be finalised by the year end. It is due to provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private healthcare facilities and is being prepared in line with recommendations made by the Madden Commission in 2008 on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance.

Dr Reilly went on to say that the legislation will improve patient safety by ensuring that healthcare providers do not operate below core standards which are to be applied in a consistent and systematic way. The legislation will provide for these standards, as well as the ability to inspect healthcare facilities and impose sanctions when necessary. Licensing is due to be targeted at those areas not currently subject to regulation, including cosmetic surgery. 

Contributed by Sinéad Keavey.
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