I cannot be the only one who feels a jolt of shock every time I look at my calendar—June already? Judging by the cascade of rainy days, I would have thought we were still in the midst of winter, not the early days of spring. However, alongside the change in season, a sense of hope has developed within the aesthetics sector.
During the past few weeks, we have seen clinics reopen their doors to their patients, the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) has reached 1000 members (Recchia, 2021) and the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill passed its third and final reading (UK Parliament, 2021). To reach 1000 members is a brilliant milestone for the BACN and a clear reflection of the values of aesthetic nurses, who, despite much time being taken up for those who returned to the NHS to assist with the vaccination programme, seek solidarity with like-minded medical professionals and wish to stand with a group that strives for change within the sector. Additionally, as many readers will already know, the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) released its 10-point plan back in March 2021 in a bid to improve patient safety and make a move towards regulation in the sector and asked for feedback (JCCP, 2021). The next issue of the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing (JAN) will detail these responses, with an update from David Sines, Executive Chair of the JCCP, so keep your eyes peeled.
Alongside the aforementioned positive news is the responsibility to keep in mind the way still left on the journey towards a regulated industry and to continue the work that needs to be carried out in the sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has unquestionably created a mental health pandemic, which will no doubt have an effect on the patients presenting to medical aesthetic clinics. The monumental increase in the use of video platforms (Curry, 2021), such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, as a result of working from home and attending virtual events, has led to an increase in people scrutinising their faces and highlighting flaws (real or imagined), which has no doubt affected the patients who medical practitioners are seeing presented in clinic. With this and general patient safety in mind, medical aesthetic practitioners should continue to use the screening questionnaires that are available to them, while continuing to read educational resources and keep patient safety at the forefront of their practice. The next issue of JAN features an important article from Eda Gorbis, who explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on those with body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders.
When I look at aesthetic nurses, I see a group of passionate health professionals endeavouring to have widespread professionalism and patient safety in the aesthetics sector. So, I say to our subscribers, keep thriving for a better sector, continue educating and stay hopeful—brighter days are coming.