This month, the British Association of Cosmetics Nurses (BACN) Autumn Conference in Birmingham has proven to be particularly exhilarating, both in terms of scientific content but also because of the regulatory issues it has raised.
Not surprisingly the event was fully booked, with over 300 delegates in attendance throughout the 2 days. It certainly did not disappoint, showcasing an array of world class education for nurses working in medical aesthetics. Indeed, it was by far the best conference the BACN has held to date. This was reflected by the numerous pieces of positive feedback from members and sponsors.
The substance and the content of the live demonstrations, panel discussions and presentations covered a host of topics pertinent to medical aesthetic practice. This year, the academic and practical contribution of the nurses has been particularly noticeable. Indeed, very respected nurses in our profession have shared their expert views on subjects ranging from day-to-day practice to the latest technologies, not to mention the future technologies. As always, the contribution of other medical professionals was extremely valuable. They brought their renowned expertise to both the live practical demonstrations, and in the academic arena.
We owe our gratitude to Gareth Lewis, Bec Coleman, Abigail Geran and Jessica Cimetta for their expertise in all aspects of the logistics, which is one of the most important ingredients for the success of any conference. Behind the scenes, and with complete dedication, they have spent the last 6 months preparing what turned out to be the most successful reunion of the BACN so far. A special thanks should go to Gareth for his commitment to the setting of a safe clinical environment for our live demonstrations. The tremendous commitment of the sponsors was also particularly visible this year with massive logistic support at every level.
»The substance and the content of the live demonstrations, panel discussions and presentations covered a host of topics pertinent to medical aesthetic practice. This year, the academic and practical contribution of the nurses has been particularly noticeable, sharing expert views on subjects ranging from day-to-day practice to the latest technologies«
Special acknowledgement of the ever present contribution of the BACN regional leaders was expressed. We all know their commitment to the BACN is made on a voluntary basis beside their personal lives and their busy professional activities. Along with the fantastic team at head office they deal with all the organisational aspects of the BACN including local meetings, social reunions, peer to peer support and educational webinars.
The intensity of their commitment has been particularly visible this year as we have seen a significant increase in the overall interest and attendance at these meetings. The regional leaders have taken on these roles with a genuine enthusiasm and have led the way in creating a fantastic learning environment for all levels of nurses in medical aesthetics.
Management committee members along with Paul Burgess, our CEO, have been holding regular meetings with the regional leaders. Those meetings have proved to be particularly constructive and led to 17 new action points targeting every aspect aiming at enhancing the quality of the BACN. The organisation necessary to implement those 17 action points will be led by a sub committee of regional leaders over the next year. For obvious reasons, we urge our members to take the opportunity to attend these meetings that aim to raise standards and patient safety in medical aesthetics. No doubt that this will enhance clinical practice through education and learning provided by the regional leaders.
All the aforementioned activity is particularly crucial as we see more changes emerging in medical aesthetics, particularly with regards to licensing. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is currently working through a process to implement new provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2022. On 2 September 2023 the DHSC issued a consultation paper setting out the scope of procedures that may be covered in the licence, who can provide them and under what conditions. The BACN management committee led by Sharon Bennett (Chair) met on 5 September and agreed the following:
- To establish an expert subcommittee to put together a BACN response
- To draft a response
- To consult BACN members on the proposals
- To submit a final response to the DHSC. This will be done before the deadline of 28 October 2023.
Further information can be found on this in the BACN membership website under BACN regulation updates.
A reminder that we have a fantastic webinar scheduled for 5 October 2023 that is open to all BACN members. This webinar is free of charge to our members and will be hosted by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The aim of this is to provide members with a greater knowledge and a wider understanding of the advertising rules in cosmetic medicine. The session will cover advertising and social media. Places can be booked on the BACN website in the membership area under events.
It is openly clear that our association, the BACN, is becoming stronger and the substance of the scientific content of these meetings is being enhanced year by year. It is also obvious that the legal and regulatory challenges imposed upon us will need to be dealt with as an imperative for our discipline to continue to develop along the same trajectory.
»For obvious reasons, we urge our members to take the opportunity to attend regional meetings that aim to raise standards and patient safety in medical aesthetics«