SILK Laser Clinics has announced a significant milestone, becoming the first, and currently only, clinics in Tasmania to receive the newly required accreditation required for cosmetic aesthetics and minor procedures.
This achievement underscores SILK’s commitment to best practices and patient safety, setting a new standard for the industry in Australia.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tasmanian Health Department released a “Fact Sheet” containing information relating to regulations from 2018. The regulations stated that a doctor must be on-site at all times in aesthetic clinics. Recognising the challenges this posed, industry stakeholders, including members of the Cosmetic Nurses Association (CNA) which included SILK’s own head of Cosmetic Aesthetics, Cherie Cleland, engaged with the government to seek viable solutions. As a result, an alternative pathway was established, allowing clinics to become licensed day procedure centres.
The journey to accreditation was a rigorous process spanning approximately four years, involving extensive back-and-forth communication and education with the Department of Health (DoH) in Tasmania. In early August, SILK Laser Clinics received the final piece of the puzzle, achieving full accreditation under the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards.
“Ensuring best practice and patient safety is at the heart of what we do, and SILK Laser Clinics is proud to be the first non-surgical cosmetic clinic in Tasmania to receive accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare standards,” says Emma Rahe, Head of Clinical at SILK.
“Our Tasmanian clinics in Hobart, Eastlands, and Sandy Bay have all received the accreditation, and we are incredibly proud to be setting the bar for the future and safety of the Cosmetic Aesthetic industry in Australia.”
Emma Rahe provides further insights into the accreditation:
Procedures covered under this accreditation:
- All services offered by SILK Laser Clinics are covered under this accreditation. Although SILK does not offer surgical procedures, the accreditation encompasses the entire facility, including systems, processes, and governance, ensuring a comprehensive safety standard.
Impact on services:
- The accreditation has not changed the range of treatments offered but has enhanced the safety and compliance of existing services. Clinics that have not pursued this accreditation are now restricted in their operations, particularly in storing S4 medicines without a doctor on-site.
Accreditation process:
- The process began with obtaining a license in 2022, working in alignment with draft standards provided by the DoH. The final standards were released in 2023, followed by a thorough review and evidence collection to meet the accreditation criteria. This collaboration with the DoH facilitated crucial links with the Tasmanian ambulance service and the Royal Hobart Hospital, ensuring pathways for emergency situations and boosting team confidence.
Industry impact and collaboration:
- SILK Laser Clinics’ accreditation journey highlights the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders and government bodies. This process has led to significant improvements in clinical governance, systems, and education within the clinics. As an industry leader, SILK Laser Clinics remains dedicated to advancing the standards of aesthetic medicine in Australia, ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality for all patients.
Additional Information:
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
For more information on SILK Laser Clinics and its services, please visit silklaser.com.au.
About SILK Laser Clinic
SILK Laser Clinics is Australia’s leading provider of medi-aesthetic services, renowned for its advanced treatments and commitment to customer satisfaction. With a growing network across Australia, SILK Laser Clinics sets the standard for premium beauty and wellness solutions. SILK Laser Clinics is part of the Wesfarmers Health Medi-Aesthetics division.
About Wesfarmers Health MediAesthetics
Wesfarmers Health MediAesthetics, a division of Wesfarmers Health, oversees a portfolio of leading cosmetic treatment providers including SILK Laser Clinics, Australian Skin Clinics, and Clear Skincare Clinics. Committed to innovation and excellence in skincare, Wesfarmers Health MediAesthetics aims to deliver accessible and advanced cosmetic treatments nationwide.
