NSW Health issues blood-borne viruses test warning to clients of ...
4 hours agoThu 31 Oct 2024 at 6:09am
NSW Health has advised clients of Fresh Cosmetic Clinic on George Street to get tested. (ABC News: Monish Nand)
NSW Health says clients of Fresh Cosmetic Clinic in Sydney CBD, who had injections or underwent invasive procedures should visit their GP to request tests for blood-borne virus as soon as possible.
Health Care Complaints Commission said it executed a search warrant on the clinic this month following "a number of complaints made in relation to the clinic and people working under the auspices of the clinic".
What's next?NSW Health is working with the HCCC to consider any further action against the clinic.
Patients who underwent invasive procedures at a Sydney CBD cosmetic clinic have been told to get tested for blood-borne viruses due to infection control breaches.
NSW Health has advised clients of Fresh Cosmetic Clinic in George Street, who had injections or underwent invasive procedures including breast implants, facial or nasal-line carving, should visit their GP to request the tests as soon as possible..
In a public warning, Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) said it executed a search warrant on October 16 following "a number of complaints made in relation to the clinic and people working under the auspices of the clinic".
The clinic performed botox. (Pexels: Laura Villela)
The HCCC said there was evidence non-registered people were performing "invasive cosmetic procedures" such botox and hyaluronic acid, dermal fillers, and administering medicines including anaesthetics.
It also found some of the stocks of medication at the clinic were expired and registration certificates of registered practitioners who do not work there were being displayed.
After being alerted by HCCC, NSW Health's South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit (SESLHD PHU) inspected the clinic last week and concluded there was a risk to clients of exposure to blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.
On Wednesday the commission imposed an order on the clinic to prevent it from providing health services of any kind for eight weeks as its investigation continues.
Patients urged not to wait for symptomsSouth Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit director Vicky Sheppeard said clients may not show signs of infection immediately and should act to get tested.
"Blood-borne viruses can be spread between clients where injections or invasive procedures are carried out without stringent infection control," Dr Sheppeard said.
"People infected with blood-borne viruses may not show symptoms for many years, so it is important to be tested to see if there is silent infection.
"There are effective treatments for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV."
NSW Health is working with the HCCC to consider any further action against the clinic.
Fresh Cosmetic Clinic clients can contact the Health Care Complaints Commission on [email protected] or contact their local public health unit on 1300 066 055 for more information on blood-borne viruses.
