Version: 1.0
Status: Approved
Author: Medical Director
Review Date: Annually
Regulatory Framework: CQC, GMC, UK GDPR, MHRA, HSE

Wessex Skin Clinic: Terms and Conditions

1. Purpose of Document

These Terms and Conditions outline the standards, responsibilities, and expectations governing all
clinical and administrative operations at Wessex Skin Clinic. They ensure that all aesthetic medical
treatments are delivered safely, ethically, and in compliance with:
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards
• General Medical Council (GMC) Good Medical Practice
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
• MHRA regulations for medicines and medical devices
• National clinical guidelines for aesthetic medicine
These Terms and Conditions apply to all patients, staff, contractors, and clinicians associated with
Wessex Skin Clinic.

2. Regulatory Status & Governance Structure

2.1 CQC Registration
Wessex Skin Clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide regulated
medical services. All activities must comply with CQC Fundamental Standards, including:
• Person-centred care
• Safety
• Consent
• Governance
• Duty of candour

2.2 Clinical Leadership
The Clinic is led by a GMC-registered Medical Director, responsible for:
• Clinical governance
• Oversight of prescribing
• Incident reporting and investigation
• Staff training and competency assessment
• Policy compliance and audit

2.3 Indemnity
All clinicians hold full medical indemnity appropriate to their scope of practice.

3. Scope of Clinical Services

Wessex Skin Clinic provides minimally invasive aesthetic medical treatments, including but not
limited to:
• Botulinum toxin injections
• Dermal fillers
• Skin boosters and biostimulators
• Chemical peels
• Microneedling
• Medical-grade skincare
• Laser and energy-based treatments
• Skin consultations
• Mole Removal and Treatment of common Dermatological Conditions
All treatments are classified as medical procedures, not cosmetic beauty services.

4. Patient Assessment & Eligibility

4.1 Mandatory Medical Consultation
All patients must undergo a comprehensive consultation including:
• Medical history
• Medication and allergy review
• Psychological screening (including BDD indicators)
• Clinical examination
• Assessment of suitability and risk

4.2 Right to Decline Treatment
Wessex Skin Clinic reserves the right to refuse or defer treatment if:
• The patient’s expectations are unrealistic or unachievable
• Treatment is clinically unsafe or contraindicated
• The patient displays abusive, aggressive, coercive, or inappropriate behaviour
• Psychological concerns (e.g., suspected BDD) are identified
• The patient is under 18 years old
No patient has an automatic entitlement to treatment.

5. Informed Consent

5.1 Consent Requirements
Consent must be:
• Voluntary
• Informed
• Given by a competent adult
• Specific to the treatment
• Documented in writing

5.2 Information Provided to Patients
Patients must be informed of:
• Treatment purpose and mechanism
• Expected outcomes and limitations
• Risks, side effects, and complications
• Alternatives, including no treatment
• Aftercare requirements
• Cost and maintenance expectations

5.3 Withdrawal of Consent
Patients may withdraw consent at any time prior to treatment. Clinicians may also withdraw consent
to treat if new safety concerns arise.

6. Treatment Delivery Standards

6.1 Clinical Environment
All procedures must be performed in a clinical environment compliant with:
• Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) standards
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements
• CQC cleanliness and safety standards

6.2 Product Safety

Only MHRA-approved, CE-marked, or medically licensed products may be used.

6.3 Prescribing
Prescription-only medicines (POMs), including botulinum toxin, may only be supplied following a
face-to-face consultation with a prescriber.

6.4 Emergency Preparedness
The Clinic must maintain:
• Emergency drugs (e.g., adrenaline, hyaluronidase)
• Resuscitation equipment
• Staff trained in BLS and anaphylaxis management
7. Treatment Outcomes & Limitations
• Aesthetic outcomes vary; no guarantees can be made.
• Asymmetry, incomplete correction, or variable longevity may occur.
• Dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome does not constitute treatment failure if the procedure
was performed appropriately.
• Refunds are not provided for subjective dissatisfaction.
8. Fees, Payments & Cancellation Policy
• Fees are transparent and may be updated periodically.
• Payment is required at the time of treatment unless otherwise agreed.
• Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may incur a fee.
• Pre-paid packages are non-refundable, except where treatment becomes medically
contraindicated.

9. Aftercare & Complication Management

9.1 Aftercare Obligations
Patients must receive written and verbal aftercare instructions. Failure to follow aftercare may
increase risks and affect outcomes.

9.2 Complication Management
Wessex Skin Clinic will provide appropriate follow-up and management of complications arising
directly from treatment. Complications resulting from:
• Non-compliance with aftercare
• External interference
• Treatment elsewhere
may not be covered.

10. Medical Records & Confidentiality

• Records are stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR.
• Information is not shared without consent unless required by law or safeguarding
obligations.
• Patients may request access to their records.
• Records are retained for the legally required duration.

11. Photography & Documentation

• Clinical photographs are taken for medical documentation, planning, and audit.
• Images will not be used for marketing without explicit written consent.

12. Behaviour & Zero-Tolerance Policy
Wessex Skin Clinic enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward:
• Aggressive or abusive behaviour
• Harassment
• Coercive or manipulative behaviour
• Repeated unrealistic demands
The Clinic may terminate the therapeutic relationship if such behaviour occurs.

13. Safeguarding

The Clinic complies with adult and child safeguarding legislation.
• Staff must escalate safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Lead.
• No treatments are provided to individuals under 18 years old.

14. Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)

• The Clinic follows national IPC guidelines.
• All equipment is sterilised or single-use.
• Clinical areas are cleaned according to CQC standards.

15. Incident Reporting & Duty of Candour

• All adverse events, near misses, and complications must be documented.
• The Clinic complies with the statutory Duty of Candour, including open disclosure to
patients when harm occurs.

16. Complaints Procedure

• Complaints must be acknowledged promptly and investigated thoroughly.
• Unresolved complaints may be escalated to:
o The CQC
o The clinician’s GMC registration
o The Clinic’s indemnity provider

17. Policy Review & Audit

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if regulatory changes occur. Compliance is monitored
through:
• Internal audits
• Incident reviews
• Staff training records
• CQC inspections