Representatives from the British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN) gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on December 9.
During a session examining the regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, nurse prescriber and board member Amanda Demosthenous and Jacqueline Cooney, BAMAN regional leader for West Scotland who attended in her capacity as director of the Scottish Medical Aesthetic Surgery Group (SMASG), collectively highlighted the need for strong clinical oversight and robust regulation to safeguard patient safety within medical aesthetics.
They were joined by Paula McLaren, senior advisor for Advanced Practice at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), who has maintained ongoing engagement with BAMAN, including contributing to the association’s Autumn Aesthetic Conference.
The session followed the introduction of the Non-Surgical Procedures Bill to the Scottish Parliament in October 2025, which aims to ensure that non-surgical cosmetic procedures are delivered safely, hygienically and within an appropriate regulatory framework. The Bill also seeks to address concerns around the potential physical and psychological harm these procedures may pose to children and young people.
Demosthenous said, “I was clear that patient safety in medical aesthetics depends on strong clinical oversight, proportionate regulation and recognition of the advanced practice nurses already delivering safe, ethical care. Nurses are already operating within robust governance frameworks, and effective regulation must build on this clinical leadership to enhance patient safety and public trust.”