Mala McAlpin Could getting injectables soon be as easy as popping down to your local chemist in your lunch break or after work?
In a landmark move, UK-based chemist Superdrug has just launched its new Skin Renew Service, by which injectables including Botox and Juvederm will be available in-store, administered by a Registered Nurse.
Superdrug, a beauty and health super-store that could be considered as the UK’s answer to Priceline or Chemist Warehouse, announced that the service was introduced by popular demand after a survey of 10,000 customers was conducted earlier this year.
“We’re launching this service in response to customer demand for anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation treatments,” says Superdrug’s head of health and wellbeing services, Caris Newson.
“We’re listening to what people are telling us they would like, which is the reassurance that if they choose to have aesthetic treatments then it will be administered by highly qualified nurse practitioners in a private consultation room.”
Superdrug disagrees that the move encourages consumers to treat the administration of injectable treatments lightly, claiming that the decision in fact combats underqualified or untrained practitioners in the field.
Superdrug health and wellbeing ambassador Dr Pixie McKenna says “Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in the number of people claiming to be ‘expert’ practitioners in the field. It is surprising how many people engage in these services without having a full understanding of the qualifications or competence of the person carrying it out.”
“This is why I support Superdrug’s move in delivering a high-end service. By employing practitioners who have not only been vetted but also have an excellent track record in terms of their experience, qualifications and competence, customers can be confident that they are getting the service they deserve.”
There is also an age restriction in place, disqualifying those under 25 years old from treatment, alongside a full consultation and medical check with the client’s Registered Nurse prior to treatment.
By law in the UK, those prescribing injectables must only be doctors, nurses, dentists or pharmacists, and consultations must be conducted face to face (not including Skype). However, the prescriber can then delegate the administration to another person, they are simply responsible for ensuring it’s given to the patient safely.
According to some reports, this is resulting in a high volume of rogue practitioners and injured patients throughout the industry, with Beauticians, Beauty Therapists and others without medical experience administering injections improperly.
Here in Australia, only a medical doctor can prescribe (and administer) S4 injectable drugs via consultation (Skype is acceptable) and only then can Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses administer them to patients.
