Terms and Conditions | First Clinical Aesthetics

First Clinical Aesthetics Terms and Conditions

Date: 27 / 09 / 2019

First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd.

The terms and conditions of this Patient contract apply to the supply of services by First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd under the trading name of First Clinical Aesthetics. These terms and conditions prevail over the contents of any other documents provided by First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd where a conflict in the content takes place.

Definitions:

Anaesthetist – Means a medical practitioner trained in the practice of anaesthesia who is registered with the General Medical Council and has admitting privileges to the hospital where the procedure is undertaken where an anaesthetic is required by an Anaesthetist.
Days – Where days do not mention working days then if refers to the days of the normal 7 day week including UK bank or public holiday.
Medical Practitioner – Means a Medical Practitioner who is registered with the General Medical Council and has admitting privileges to the hospital or treatment centre where the procedure is undertaken.
Patient – Any person who has contacted First Clinical Aesthetics, or who has entered into a contract requesting a consultation for a non surgical procedure.
Patient Guide – Patient information in accordance with independent health care standards, brochures and any associated letters and leaflets.
Procedure – A non surgical procedure to be performed by a surgeon or Medical Practitioner.
Reflection or cooling off period – A period of 14 days from the date of the initial consultation with the Doctor to the date of treatment. Surgeons recommend in accordance with guidelines issued by the independent healthcare association, May 2003, “Good medical practice in cosmetic surgery” (in liaison with the General Medical Council) that patients have adequate time for reflection. Surgeons do not normally admit patients for a procedure sooner than 14 days after the initial consultation. However, in some exceptional circumstances the patient may choose to elect to sign a relevant disclaimer and undergo the procedure sooner after careful consideration of all of the benefits and risks of the intended procedure.
Surgeon – Means a medical practitioner who is registered with the General medical council. Some of our surgeons are also fellows of the royal college of surgeons.
Working day – Monday to Friday of any given week except for a U.K. Bank or public holiday.
Force majeure – No party shall be liable for any failure to perform its obligations where such failure is as a result of acts of nature or unforeseen circumstances – natural disasters, utilities breakdown etc.

Obligations of First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd

First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd shall engage independent Surgeons and Medical Practitioners who are registered with the General Medical Council and who hold the qualifications and experience required under schedule 3 of the Health and social care act (regulated activities) regulations 2010 and who have been granted practicing privileges at the clinic or hospital where they are to perform the procedure. First Clinical Aesthetics Surgeons and Medical Practitioners are engaged as independent contractors and are professionally and legally liable for and directly responsible and accountable to the Patient for their own tortuous acts and breaches of contract. They are obliged to maintain private practice medical indemnity insurance with their medical defence union, the, medical protection society or any other appropriate insurers that is appropriate in accordance with GMC guidelines.
First Clinical Aesthetics shall engage an independent First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd Ltd Surgeon or Medical practitioner to perform the procedure.
Provided that the patient has complied with his obligations in this agreement, and at the discretion of the Surgeon or medical practitioner, First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd will engage the Surgeon or medical practitioner to provide aftercare to the patient.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd cannot accept responsibility of liability for any matter which may be within the professional or legal liability of the independent surgeon or medical practitioner.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd shall comply with the provisions of the data protection act 1998.

Fees and Payment Terms

The procedure shall cover;

Hospital and /or treatment and accommodation including patient catering if the patient is an overnight stay at the hospital or clinic
Nursing care where appropriate
Treatment room charges
Appropriate drugs and medications relating to the procedure in the clinic
Appropriate dressings relating to the procedure in the clinic
Where appropriate, implants or other devices in the standard range of the supplier or that specifically agreed between you and your Medical Practitioner at the outset.
Preoperative blood tests of a standard nature which may include full blood count, U and E, clotting screen, urine (UCEM) MRSA screen where required
Medical Practitioner fees during the clinic stay which include pre treatment consultation, immediate post treatment care and post treatment. Anaesthetist fees if required to include pre operative visit, the procedure and immediate post operative care.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd aftercare.

The procedure fee will not cover;

Echocardiogram examinations, x rays, ultrasound scans, or mammograms or any other diagnostic examination or test.
Any take home drugs following the procedure other than antibiotics as may be prescribed by the surgeon or medical practitioner upon discharge from the hospital or clinic.
Any additional cost of further pre operative blood tests or pre operative blood tests of a non standard nature as may be determined necessary by the surgeon, anaesthetist or medical practitioner.
Any additional cost of an implant or device where appropriate not in the standard range, other than that specifically agreed between you and the Patient Co-ordinator at the outset.
Overnight stay at the clinic, where appropriate, will be charged at the current rate.
Expenses related to travel,accommodation and time off work for original procedure or revision procedure

Any remedial treatment subsequent of examinations may be funded by First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd: this is assessed in a case by case basis. Any additional charges, where applicable, will be added to the procedure fee and will be payable on the terms of this clause.

If a low deposit or late payment authorisation has been agreed and the patient fails to clear the balance on the formerly agreed date (as agreed in the Patient care plan) then First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd reserves the right to cancel the procedure and charge or retain the cancellation fee as defined in this agreement.
The deposit fee of £100 is payable to book the procedure date for all treatments. The balance of the procedure is due 14 days from the date of the procedure for procedures costing in excess of £ 1000. Where the procedure is scheduled within 14 days of the consultation, the whole amount will become payable at the time of booking for procedures costing in excess of £ 1000. For procedures costing under £ 1000 these may be payable on the day of treatment , prior to the treatment commencing. Any failure of payment will result in cancellation of the treatment.
In default of the above, unless otherwise agreed in writing with First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd the company reserves the right to cancel the procedure and charge or retain the cancellation fee as defined in this agreement.
An administration charge of £75 will be incurred and an additional fee may be incurred where, after expiry of the reflection and cooling off period, the patient requests any change to the procedure. Changes can include, for example, changing the type of procedure performed by adding or removing aspects of the original procedure planned. Patients must appreciate that such changes require careful consideration and must be approved by the independent surgeon or medical practitioner in the best interest of the patient. The additional fee will reflect the cost of proving these considerations and arranging further availability of further equipment / implants. The charging of is such additional fee is at the company’s sole discretion but will always arise where the request for a change is made less than 14 days prior to the procedure date. Your Patient Co-ordinator will discuss these issues with you and advise you of any additional fees payable. The administration charge and additional fee will form part of the procedure fee and payable pursuant to this clause.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd do not cover the loss of earnings for The Patient or their chaperone/family.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd do not cover the cost of a Patients or their chaperones travel/accommodation /food or any other related expenses in connection with both the original or revision procedure.. These costs all need to be covered by the patient and their chaperone. Where travel and accommodation has been reserved by the company this will be determined at the outset. The Patient understands and accepts that where this has been arranged the company cannot accept any responsibility for a failure of services of the quality of those services as provided by such third parties.

Patient Rescheduling Policy

If the Patient books a procedure date with a Patient Co-ordinator and the patient decides to reschedule the procedure date, an additional fee will be payable (the rescheduling fee) dependant on how much notice is provided as follows.

6 days or less notice: £50 rescheduling fee
7 days to 14 days notice £30 rescheduling fee
15 or more days notice £ 20 rescheduling fee

The reflection and cooling off period is unaffected by this clause.
If the patient subsequently cancels a rescheduled procedure, First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd refund policy as detailed in this agreement will be applied based on the amount of the rescheduling fee applicable to the rescheduling. All cancellation requests must be placed in writing to First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd. Kelham street, Doncaster DN1 3RE. Requests must be sent by special delivery.
If the procedure is postponed because the patient is unable to proceed at that time due to Medical advice, but would be in a suitable medical condition to proceed within two years of the postponement, First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd will hold any monies paid on account for the patient to undergo their procedure when they are medically suitable. These funds will be retained by First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd should the patient not have made use of them within the two years. If the medical reasons were undisclosed during consultation then the normal cancellation policy will be applied and no refund will be offered.
If the patient cancels due to pregnancy then they receive no refund as the General Cosmetic Patient guide states clearly that extra precautionary measures must be taken to void pregnancy on the basis that no treatment can ever take place of the patient is pregnant.
It is the sole decision of the Medical Practitioner as to whether the procedure takes place, if the procedure is postponed for medical reasons following the Medical Practitioner receiving information on the patients past medical history, there will be no rescheduling fee.
If the procedure is rescheduled by Firat Clinical Aesthetics ltd, there will no rescheduling fee applied.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd reserves the right to cancel or postpone the procedure in the interests of patient safety and welfare including a failure by the patient to follow the advice given by the Patient Co-ordinator, the Medical Practitioner, the anaesthetist, or the patient information guide. For example, if the patient has persisted to smoke less than two weeks prior to the procedure despite instructions to stop, if directed by the medical team or under circumstances beyond the control of First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd , for example, medical facilities or the Practitioner becoming unavailable. In the event of such a cancellation or postponement then the patient agrees that no related losses with be recoverable by First Clinical AestheticsLtd.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd reserves the right to cancel or postpone the procedure should the Patient display an unusual degree of nervousness and the Medical Practitioner does not feel comfortable treating the patient. In such circumstances a rescheduling fee will apply in line with the clause in this agreement on rescheduling of operations.
If the patient reschedules a confirmed revision procedure, the aforementioned rescheduling fees will apply in order for the company to cover the losses incurred surrounding the treatment space.

Patient Cancellation and Refund Policy

Procedures may be cancelled during or after the 14 day reflection and cooling off period from seeing the Medical Practitioner with the following costs incurred.

If the procedure is cancelled by the patient outside of the reflection and cooling off period of 14 days, and the procedure is less than 20 days after the period expires, or as a result of any failure or default of the patient following an initial consultation with First Clinical Aesthetics/medical practitioner, First Medical Aesthetics Ltd will charge to the patient or retain 100% of the procedure fee.
If the procedure is cancelled by the patient during the reflection and cooling off period, any fees paid are refundable however £50 of the fee or deposit paid is retained to cover administration costs.
If the procedure is cancelled by the Medical Practitioner or other medical professional within the medical team of equivalent qualifications by reasons that the patient will never be medically suitable for treatment, £50 of the deposit or balance paid is retained to cover administrative costs however a refund of the remaining monies paid will be made. If the medical reasons were undisclosed during consultations then the normal cancellation policy will apply and no refund will be offered.
If the procedure is cancelled outside of the reflection period but more than 20 days from the procedure date, the company will retain 50% of the procedure fee.

Patient Obligations

The patient must be at least 18 years old for any consultation or procedure.
The patient maybe required to provide their NHS number at the latest 14 days before their treatment date
The patient understands that it is the appointed Medical Practitioner sole decision whether or not a procedure can be carried out.
The patient shall provide to the company / practitioner or any appropriate staff member an honest and full health history that is accurate and reliable. The patient further understands that withholding medical information could put their health at risk and if this is later identified at the clinic within the patient’s medical notes then it is at the discretion of the medical practitioner whether the procedure should be rescheduled or even cancelled. This may result in rescheduling fees or loss of 100% of the fee on cancellation. First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd shall not be responsible for any additional aftercare required in these circumstances and shall charge any additional costs to the patient.
The Patient shall notify to First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd as soon as possible if a charge occurs to their health or wellbeing after the initial consultation.
The patient shall be responsible for reading and making sure that they understand the patient information guide and any other information provided ahead of the procedure.
The patient shall comply with all pre and post treatment instructions provided by the Doctor and First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd
The patient should ensure that any invoices and/or outstanding money is paid in a timely manner and that all outstanding balances are paid ahead of any procedure.

Aftercare Policy – General

All patients must attend post treatment appointments set by First Clinical Aesthetics and follow guidance and advice set out in the literature provided. Failure to do so may affect the patients’ rights under this policy. Should the Patient fail to attend two or more post treatment appointments consecutively scheduled for them, First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd are no longer obliged to offer further appointments.
Any changes in appearance through lifestyle, illness, pregnancy, or natural ageing process that have an effect on the original results of the treatment may prevent First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd from providing the free care.
Where you and your Medical Practitioner both agree that further treatment is required, the company will provide, if clinically appropriate, corrective treatment free of charge. However if your MedicL Practitioner decides that the results of your treatment fall within the acceptable normal limits of treatment, further free treatment will not be available. It is the Medical Practitioner who owes a duty of care to the patient and this is the only Medical Practitioner obliged to perform the revision treatment if this is agreed by the company. No other Medical practitioner obliged to offer a revision to the patient who is not under their care.
Procedures of a temporary nature such as dermal fillers are excluded from the revision policy in terms of further top up procedures given the requirement for these procedures to be repeated in the future.
If the original Medical Practitioner is not available, the company will appoint a suitable alternative Medical Practitioner to offer a review, second medical opinion and determine the appropriateness for additional treatment. The Medical practitioner has no obligation to perform, undertake or take over the patients care.
If the patient moves to another part of the country, the patient will be expected to travel to meet with their Medical Practitioner, the company will not offer such travel.
If the patients original Medical Practitioner no longer consults from the original clinic, the patient will be expected to travel to meet with their Medical practitioner, the company will not cover such travel.
If a scan is required as part of the treatment plan or to ascertain if treatment is required then depending on the circumstances this may not be covered by the company.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd will not cover any corrective treatment performed by other cosmetic treatment company providers if First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd aftercare plan was not approached first and such financial agreement was not arranged prior to the correction date.
Where a revision procedure is required the company does not cover loss of earnings, patients chaperone costs, or family travel/accommodation/food, these costs all need to be covered by the patient.
Where a revision procedure is required the company does not cover loss of earnings, hotel costs or travel expenses of the chaperone of the patient.
If the revision procedure requires a hospital stay then this will come at a cost to the patient.

Please note that where a revision procedure is performed the aftercare policy explained in this agreement will NOT start again, aftercare policy applies only to the original operation date.

Other Information

In the interest of safety or in exceptional circumstances the company reserve the right to alter the Patients treatment date (although such changes will be avoided wherever possible). Should such an alteration be required then the Patient agrees that no related losses will be recoverable by the company.
The Patient agrees that by signing the terms and conditions and the consent form that he/she has understood the contents and has been given the opportunity to consider the content and to seek independent advice if desired.

Complaints

In the event that the patient is unhappy with the service provided, the complaint should be made as soon as possible to the patient co-ordinator. First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd has a comprehensive comments and complaints policy in place. The following is a summary of the procedure, a copy of which is available to all patients within The Patient Guide. All complaints are treated seriously. The names of The Patient or complainant will remain confidential except to facilitate the investigation of a complaint. There are two ways in which a patient can make a complaint. They may verbally address their concerns or complaint, or they may document their complaint a concern in writing. Please note complaints by email are not accepted.

Verbal Complaint

An investigation will be immediately undertaken into The Patient’s concerns, and wherever possible they will be notified of the outcome within one working day. If we are not able to resolve the issue within one working week, they will be notified out the outcome in writing within 20 working days of the complaint being made. In the event of a verbal comment or complaint, we will at all time endeavours to address the concerns immediately.

Written Complaint

Upon receipt of The Patients correspondence, First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd will acknowledge the letter in writing within three working days. We will immediately undertake an investigation into the concerns raised and provide a written response within 20 working days of receiving the letter. If we are unable to provide a written response within 20 working days, we will inform The Patient in writing of the status of the complaint.

Stage 1 – Local Resolution

The Patient Co-ordinator will review all medical records, communications and the complaint as part of an investigation with assistance from the nursing team and surgeons.
The Patient Co-ordinator will then write to the complainant explaining the outcome of the investigation within 20 working days. In the event that investigations are still on-going and a response has not been reached when the initial 20 working days expires, a letter of update will be sent every 20 working days.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd recognises that sometimes the complaint may not be entirely happy with the response that they have initially received. The preferred outcome of complaint is a resolution at stage 1. The complainant may take their concern through the following further stages described below;

Stage 2 – Internal Appeal

The complainant may not be entirely happy with the response that they have initially received. If this is so, the complaint will then be passes on to a senior member of staff who has not previously been involved in your complaint and is not involved in the daily operation of the hospital/clinic to consider the complaint stage.
First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd aim to provide a stage 2 response within 20 working days of the stage 2 acknowledgement letter. However, complaints are made aware that stage 2 review of a complaint may take longer than 20 working days and where this is so, a formal letter of update will be sent.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd holds and processes data relevant to the patient in accordance with the provisions set out in this section.
Should First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd wish to disclose information and data relating to the patients, MedicaL Practitioner then First Clinical Aesthetics ltd will first obtain consent before any disclosure is undertaken.
The Patient is deemed to have consented to allowing First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd to disclose any data including any sensitive information to any government authorities whether they are regulatory or otherwise.
The patient is acknowledging that First Clinical Aesthetics Ltd is obtaining this consent in order that they may comply with the data protection act 1998.

Access to Medical Records

A patient may request to view their medical records, a medical practitioner must be present.
A copy of the medical records may be requested in writing. A fee of £50 will be charged for copies of medical documentation.

Legal Jurisdiction

The laws of England and Wales shall govern this contract and their courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction.