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Cautions issued to providers using unregistered laser services

Following a recent criminal investigation, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has invoked its legal powers due to a breach of the Care Standards Act 2000.

It follows evidence of two associated companies providing aesthetic laser treatment services in Cardiff without registration.

In total, eight offences were committed under section 11 of the Care Standards Act 2000.  Each limited company committed the offence of carrying on an establishment without registration, each person managing the services committed the offence of managing an establishment without registration, and the two directors of each limited companies committed the offence under section 11 and 30(2), of consenting to the commission of those offences.

The cautions were issued after the services were found to have been operating whilst unregistered between June 2023 and October 2023, and October 2023 and February 2024 respectively.

As the regulator of independent healthcare services in Wales, HIW is committed to taking action when standards are not met. When an independent healthcare provider does not comply with the regulatory requirements, we will take action. 

Providers of independent hospitals, clinics and medical agencies must be registered with HIW prior to providing any regulated activity under the Care Standards Act 2000. 

If you are looking to use an independent healthcare service, then please check whether that service is registered with HIW using the search facility on our website. If you cannot find the service or have information about an unregistered healthcare provider in Wales, we would like to hear from you.

Healthcare services are provided in a number of different ways and by a variety of healthcare professionals. Where there is any doubt that registration may be required, you are advised to contact HIW for advice by completing and submitting a Registration Query Form.