Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 - Special Procedures 

Introducing the Mandatory Licensing Scheme in Wales - Practitioner Newsletter No. 9

We continue to draft our response to the first consultation, once finalised this will be published on the Welsh Government website. At the same time, we are preparing for the next consultation which will give stakeholders the opportunity to respond to our draft regulations.

In this newsletter as well as our usual update from the training centres, we have advice from Public Health Specialists on Hepatitis B and MRSA. We also have a ‘Save the Date’ for the first of a series of free Practitioner Webinars.

Welsh local authorities are working to finalise the proposed practitioner licence and premises/vehicle approval fees. When this is complete, we will send a separate communication to you. 

RSPH - Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control for Special Procedures Practitioners

Updates from the Approved Training Centres 

Qualification Council for Cosmetic Procedures (QCCP)

QCCP IP&C E-learning is rated 10/10 based on practitioner feedback and has a current pass rate of 100%.

They are encouraging practitioners to take advantage of the discount currently available for the Level 2 IPC qualification. Register before the end of 2023 to receive 25% discount on the course fee.

QCCP also ran their 1 st face to face training last month with Wrexham County Borough Council, 14 out of 15 candidates passed and a further course is scheduled for 16th October. QCCP and Rhondda Cynon Taff are also running a course on Monday 30th October. Places are still available so if you are interested follow the link to book your place or call QCCP on 01443 704220.

Cognition Training

For information on the Level 2 Award please contact: info@cognition.training

Cognition Training also offer blood-borne virus biosafety training. This is aimed at piercers specifically but would also benefit tattoo artists and general studio staff. The training is compliant with both APP & UKAPP membership criteria as well as covering the main blood-borne viruses, PPE use and needlestick protocols. The training is CPD accredited. 

Torfaen Adult Community Learning

Torfaen Adult Community Learning will be launching the Level 2 Award this month and to pre-register your interest to join this course in October please contact Rachel.richards@torfaen.gov.uk

Shared Regulatory Services (SRS)

Their next training courses are taking place on: Monday 6th November in Barry, and Monday 11th December in Cardiff.

Bookings and enquiries can be sent to training-srswales@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk and details about the course can be found on their website.

Between July and September, SRS ran two face-to-face training courses and achieved 100% pass rate. Congratulations to all the practitioners who attended and achieved their qualification.

Coleg Llandrillo

The course leaflet is now active on their website and prospective students can pay online. All enquiries should be made to Louise Duller at duller1l@gllm.ac.uk. 

MM Training Academy

Practitioners interested in attending should register their interest by visiting www.mmtrainingacademy.co.uk and go to ‘online courses’.

Update From Royal Society of Public Health

We are refreshing our work around the Wider Public Health Workforce, focusing on the support that they need to grow their impact on public health in the years to come. We very much see Special Procedures Practitioners as part of this Workforce.

We’re currently running a survey to ask the Wider Workforce for their views around the challenges and opportunities they face. 

We would welcome the views of Special Procedures Practitioners in Wales.

Save the Date - Tuesday 5th December 2023

Preparing for the Special Procedures Mandatory Licensing Scheme: Client Consultation

This is the first in a series of webinars that we intend to deliver for practitioners in Wales to help them prepare for the introduction of the forthcoming Licensing Scheme.

The free online webinar will be approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and include details of the client consultation requirement and short presentations from healthcare specialists on relevant health conditions and contraindications.

Details on timings, agenda and speakers will follow shortly, along with information on how to book a place. A certificate of attendance towards CPD will also be available and for those who are unable to attend, the training will be recorded and developed into an e-learning package which will be hosted on the Public Health Wales website. 

Ask your Dermatologist 

What is MRSA? (Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA is a type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the skin or nose of healthy people, this is sometimes referred to as “colonisation” and does not require treatment. People with colonisation do not have any symptoms. If the bacteria invade the skin, it can cause an “infection”.

Meticillin is an antibiotic that was used to treat these infections, but the bacteria have developed resistance to it, and this means that the antibiotic no longer works against the infection. There are other antibiotics that can be used if someone has clinical signs of an infection in a wound or joint such as a fever, redness, swelling and pain. People at risk from MRSA are generally very ill or have a chronic illness (long term).

How is MRSA spread?

Spread is via hands from someone who has the bacteria (direct contact) to another person or from touching equipment or surfaces that have not been adequately decontaminated (indirect contact). Therefore, it is essential to apply standard infection prevention and control precautions all the time with each client, including frequent hand hygiene, cleaning equipment and surfaces, decontaminating equipment, safe waste disposal and use of gloves when in contact with blood and body fluids. These activities should be performed with all clients.

Should I perform a special procedure on someone who has had MRSA?

Firstly, most people will not know they have MRSA on their skin, hence the importance of applying standard infection prevention and control precautions, as outlined above. If a person has been recently treated for MRSA in hospital or by their GP or have been told that they are colonised with it, they should be aware that they may be at risk of getting an infection if the skin is broken through the special procedure.

What action should I take if my client has recently been treated for MRSA?

As many people who have been treated for MRSA have either been seriously ill or suffer with chronic illness, it is important to confirm with the client that they are fit and well enough to have the special procedure. If they are fit and well, it is important to be clear with the client that they may be at risk of getting an infection when the skin is broken as a result of having the special procedure.

In terms of the risk of infection, applying standard infection prevention and control precautions at all the times in particular frequent hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surfaces, decontaminating equipment, safe waste disposal and use of gloves when in contact with blood and body fluids will mitigate this risk of MRSA and other staphylococcal infections.

Hepatitis B

We receive many enquiries regarding the Hepatitis B vaccination for those performing special procedures. It is not our intention to require practitioners to have this vaccination in order to apply for a licence. Obtaining the vaccination would, however, be considered good practice.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes an infection of the liver. Transmission of the virus (from one person to another) is through exposure to infected blood or body fluids. In this situation, transmission is potentially through a needlestick injury. Workers who are at an increased occupational risk of injury from blood-contaminated sharp instruments (needles / blades etc) are recommended to have the vaccine for prevention of Hepatitis B.

How many doses do I need?

Three separate vaccinations are generally required via injection in the upper arm over a period of six months. The World Health Organization (WHO) do not recommend any further boosters (vaccines). In the event of a subsequent needlestick injury, the area should be washed, and medical advice should be sought.

Where can I get the vaccine?

Unfortunately, this differs across Wales. You can start with your GP and see if they provide the service, or the GP may be able to refer you to another Practice. Alternatively, some Highstreet Pharmacies and Travel Clinics may offer the vaccine which will be at a cost for each vaccine given (Approx. £150 total at the time of writing).

It is advisable to have a blood test 2-3 months following the course to check that you have immunity, the test will look at the antibody levels in your blood to check that you are able to fight the infection. This might be arranged through your GP, or they can advise where to get it done.

Very rarely, some people do not respond to the course of vaccines and have very low levels of antibodies. Your GP will then advise on the course of action. Further information can be found in the on the government website.