A Stafford businesswoman has been at the heart of efforts to tighten safety rules in Britain’s growing cosmetic treatment industry.
Barbara Pointon, founder of Medi-Spa 28 in Stafford, gave evidence in Parliament at the final session of a national inquiry into advanced non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Her expert witness testimony followed her collaboration with local MP Leigh Ingham, who is an officer of the cross-party All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty and Wellbeing. The inquiry, run by the APPG, is calling for urgent reform after more than a decade of government inaction.
During the session, Barbara spoke about the dangers posed by unqualified practitioners, the need for minimum training standards and her support for strong enforcement to back up the new licensing system. She also outlined the potential benefits of the proposed changes for patients in Stafford and across the country.
Leigh and Barbara have been working together to highlight local experiences and push for stronger safeguards. Daily Focus reported in August that their efforts have already contributed to new Government plans to introduce tougher regulations for the aesthetics industry, with proposals currently undergoing consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.
Barbara said: “Up to now, I feel like I’ve been shouting to the void about the serious risks to patients. For over a decade, previous Governments have failed to act while the risks only grew and grew.
“One young woman from Stafford nearly lost her life after a botched surgical thread treatment led to sepsis. This is a regulated surgical procedure requiring Care Quality Commission registration but was undertaken in the back of a salon by a non-medically qualified person. This cannot be allowed to happen again.
“I’m so pleased this Government is taking action, and it was surreal to be invited to Parliament by Leigh Ingham MP to give evidence as an expert witness and know my voice is making a difference in helping protect people.”
Leigh, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, added: “Having Barbara as an expert witness to the inquiry in Westminster shows the real expertise we have in the constituency. Her voice and experience have been vital in making sure our community plays a leading role in shaping national change.”
