Health mulls regulation of cosmetic industry

Providers of botox and fillers in Guernsey could be regulated under new plans from the Committee for Health and Social Care (HSC).

The suggestion was included in the committee's workplan for this political term, alongside plans to regulate medicinal cannabis clinics and give people who aren't doctors powers to prescribe medicines.

HSC's top priority remains plans to develop a new model for care in Guernsey, which could see patients paying more for healthcare in the future.

As part of its workplan for the term, HSC has highlighted there was no regulatory framework for private or voluntary sector homecare providers, which presented a "critical risk" according to HSC.

HSC stressed there was a particular concern about the risks posed by the unregistered workforce when it came to home carers.

Alongside aesthetic treatment providers HSC is also looking at regulating psychotherapists, counsellors and alternative therapists.

As part of developing a new model for healthcare in Guernsey HSC has committed to reviewing its contract with the Medical Specialist Group which provides secondary healthcare locally.

Deputy George Oswald who leads HSC said: "This work plan sets out an ambitious programme for the political term, centred on creating a more sustainable health and care system, without compromising health outcomes.

"Delivering it will require difficult choices, as well as close partnership working across government and with healthcare providers, charities, staff and the wider community.

"By investing in prevention, supporting people to live independently and modernising our services, infrastructure and technology, we can build a system that is better equipped to meet the changing needs of our islands."

Subject to the availability of resources HSC may look at proposals for the introduction of allergen regulation.

The committee also said it was keen to explore allowing the long-term care insurance fund to pay for care delivered in people's own homes, not just residential or nursing homes.

HSC is the sixth committee to publish its workplan for the rest of this political term, after the committees for the Environment and Infrastructure, Economic Development, Education, Sport and Culture, Housing and Employment and Social Security.

The Committee for Home Affairs hasn't published its workplan for this political term, and it remains unclear when it will do so.

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