Harley Street cosmetic surgery clinic placed on specialist measures following 10 week suspension

Posted: 15/03/2022

The Harley Cosmetic Group surgery, operated by LXIR Medical Ltd, was closed for 10 weeks following a three day inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December 2021. The cosmetic and dental surgery was found to have dumped bags of rubbish on the floor close to clinical dressings, and an open sharps bin, containing used syringes and needles, was discovered in theatre as part of the routine inspection. Following the initial closure, it has now been placed on specialist measures for six months. A further inspection will take place at the end of this period to determine next steps.

The surgery does not perform any surgical procedures requiring general anaesthetic, but provides dental procedures, pre- and post-operation consultations, and procedures involving local anaesthetic, such as liposuction.

After a further inspection on 24 January 2022, the CQC rated the surgery as inadequate due to the following findings:

• There was no clear escalation pathway for deteriorating patients.
• There were no eligibility criteria which defined if patients were suitable for cosmetic surgery.
• No up to date training in basic life support was in place for clinical staff.
• Equipment was not serviced in accordance with the servicing schedules and manufacturers’ instructions. Some equipment was also out of date.
• There was no tailored, documented pathway for a patient’s journey through treatment including assessment, planning and review.
• Medication was not stored safely.
• Patient’s records were stored at a person’s house who was not employed by the service.
• Staff did not have full pre-employment checks.
• The registered manager did not demonstrate an understanding of the obligations placed on them by their role as registered manager, or the fundamental standards of care.

In addition, the surgery was found to have:

• No clear procedures relating to management of clinical waste and medication.
• No medication audits or stock controls, resulting in out of date medicines with concerns this would be given to patients.
• No systems to review patients’ medicines or prescriptions.
• No infection prevention and controlled lead policies in place.
• No training schedules provided. In particular, there was no proof of sepsis awareness training.
• No clinical audit systems.

Should the clinic not improve during the six months it is under special measures, the CQC will look to prevent the clinic from operating permanently.

The findings of this report are concerning, particularly as there have been no changes between the two visits from the CQC. The failures highlighted above could result in causing significant harm to the clinic’s patients.  

At Penningtons Manches Cooper we deal with a range of cosmetic surgery cases, both provided by medical practitioners and beauticians. If you have suffered injury as a result of cosmetic treatment or are concerned about your treatment undertaken at this clinic or any other establishment, please contact us to have a free no obligation discussion.

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