Patient Safety Model — Infection Control, Emergencies & Medicines

Published:

October 24, 2025

1. Purpose & Scope

This model defines mandatory safety standards across injectables (botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers), laser/energy devices, thread lifts and both prescription and non‑prescription skincare at Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor. It integrates national frameworks on clinical governance, patient rights and safety to ensure evidence‑based practice, legal compliance and transparent patient communication. ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵

2. Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)

NCD implements a risk‑based IPC program aligned to NHMRC/ACSQHC and NSW Health. Measures include: hand hygiene (5 moments) and PPE; aseptic technique for injections/threads; environmental cleaning schedules; validated reprocessing of any reusable instruments; and strict zoning of the Class 4 laser room (restricted access, signage, non‑flammable preps). Patients are screened for infection risks (active dermatoses, recent isotretinoin, HSV). Surgical plume controls use local evacuation and, when indicated, fit‑tested RPE. ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹²

3. Emergencies & Deterioration

The clinic maintains readiness for anaphylaxis, vaso‑occlusive filler events, syncope, bleeding, ocular/skin laser injuries and cardiac arrest. Emergency equipment includes adrenaline, antihistamines, corticosteroids, oxygen, AED and hyaluronidase (with rapid‑mix protocol). Staff complete BLS/CPR (and selected ALS) and participate in drills at least twice annually. Every incident is documented, reviewed, and externally notified to Ahpra, HCCC or TGA DAEN where required. ¹³ ¹² ¹⁴ ¹⁵

4. Medicines & Injectables (Storage, Prescribing, Handling)

All schedule medicines are TGA‑approved and stored per PI with cold‑chain logs and excursion actions. Prescription requires real‑time consultation — asynchronous prescribing is not accepted. Each product’s brand, batch/lot, expiry and ARTG status are verified and linked to the patient record. The injectables emergency kit (hyaluronidase 1,500 U, adrenaline, nitroglycerin, aspirin where appropriate) is checked monthly. Advertising and claims comply with TGA Code and Ahpra rules; pricing is transparent (no drip pricing). Serious adverse events are reported via TGA DAEN and reviewed at governance meetings. ² ³ ¹⁶ ¹⁷ ¹⁸ ¹⁹ ²⁰ ¹⁶

5. Lasers & Energy Devices

Class 3B/4 devices operate in a controlled area with wavelength‑matched eyewear, access control, calibrated devices, plume extraction and daily logs. Pre‑treatment assessment documents skin type, medications and prior energy treatments; eye protection is mandatory for patients and staff. Parameters follow IFU/AS‑NZS guidance. Any suspected ocular/skin injury triggers immediate cessation, first aid, urgent ophthalmology referral and incident review. ¹³ ¹⁴ ¹⁵ ¹⁹ ²⁰ ²¹

6. Threads & Minor Procedures

Thread lifts adopt a minor‑surgical aseptic workflow: chlorhexidine/isopropyl prep, sterile draping, single‑use introducers and strict implant traceability (brand/lot/expiry linked to record). Contraindications (active infection, poorly controlled coagulopathy) are documented. Early review identifies haematoma, infection, migration or extrusion for timely escalation. ⁷ ⁸ ¹² ²² ²⁰

7. Skincare (Prescription & Non‑Prescription)

Prescription skincare (e.g., tretinoin, hydroquinone) requires prescriber consultation including pregnancy counselling, photosensitivity risks and written after‑care. Non‑prescription cosmeceuticals are vetted for compliant labelling and claims; no unsubstantiated therapeutic promises. Pricing is single‑total and clear. Adverse reactions are documented and escalated per severity. ²¹ ²² ²⁶ ²³ ²⁴

8. Documentation, Audit & Reporting

Clinical records include identity checks, consent, batch/lot/expiry, device parameters, PPE used, after‑care provided and scheduled follow‑ups. Quarterly audits cover IPC, emergency readiness (cart/AED), cold‑chain integrity, laser safety, and advertising compliance. Serious and unexpected adverse events are reported to TGA DAEN and, where relevant, Ahpra/HCCC. Findings inform policy updates, staff training and the risk register. ¹ ⁴ ¹⁰ ¹² ¹⁶ ²⁰ ²⁴

Sources

ACSQHC, NSQHS Standards (2nd ed.), viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards ↩
Ahpra, Guidelines for non-surgical cosmetic procedures (2025), viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2025-01-31-Guidelines.aspx ↩
Medical Board of Australia, Cosmetic medical & surgical procedures guidelines, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures-guidelines.aspx ↩
NSW Health, Clinical Governance & Patient Safety Framework (PD2017_043), viewed 24 October 2025, https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2017_043.pdf ↩
Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/partnering-consumers/australian-charter-healthcare-rights ↩
HCCC NSW, Complaints & oversight, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/ ↩
NHMRC, Infection Prevention & Control in Healthcare (2019), viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control-infection-healthcare-2019 ↩
NSW Health, Infection Prevention & Control Policy (PD2020_026), viewed 24 October 2025, https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2020_026.pdf ↩
Safe Work Australia, Codes of Practice & risk management, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/codes-and-guides ↩
Australian Resuscitation Council, Guidelines (BLS/CPR), viewed 24 October 2025, https://resus.org.au/guidelines/ ↩
OAIC, Australian Privacy Principles, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles ↩
NSW Health, Clinical Procedure Safety Policy (PD2017_032), viewed 24 October 2025, https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2017_032.pdf ↩
ARPANSA, Advice for providers: Lasers, IPL & LED, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/sources-radiation/more-radiation-sources/lasers-and-intense-pulsed-light-1 ↩
AS/NZS 4173:2018, Safe use of lasers (Standards Australia/NZ), viewed 24 October 2025, https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-nzs-4173-2018 ↩
AS/NZS 1715:2009, Respiratory Protective Equipment, viewed 24 October 2025, https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-nzs-1715-2009 ↩
TGA, DAEN (Report adverse events), viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-issues ↩
RACGP, Clinical resources & guidance, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines ↩
Australian Prescriber, Dermal fillers: complications & management, viewed 24 October 2025, https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/dermal-fillers-complications-and-management.html ↩
NSW Health, GL2023_018 Controlling exposure to surgical plume, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.health.nsw.gov.au ↩
SafeWork NSW, WHS Legislation, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/law-and-policy/work-health-and-safety-legislation ↩
TGA, Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code Instrument 2021, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/F2021L00207 ↩
TGA, Applying the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/resource/guidance/applying-therapeutic-goods-advertising-code ↩
TGA, ARTG search & device regulation, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/artg ↩
Ahpra, Advertising guidelines, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-resources/Legislation-guidelines/Advertising-guidelines.aspx ↩
RESP-FIT, Respirator fit-testing guidance, viewed 24 October 2025, https://respfit.org.au ↩
ACCC, Displaying prices & drip pricing, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.accc.gov.au/business/advertising-and-promotions/displaying-prices ↩
ACCC, Cosmetics & personal care claims, viewed 24 October 2025, https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/health-home-and-fitness/cosmetics-personal-care ↩

Disclaimer for Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor Policies & Procedures

The policies and procedures contained within this document are the exclusive property of Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and are provided for internal clinical governance and educational purposes only. These materials represent the internal operational framework, safety standards, and evidence-based protocols developed and implemented by Dr. Bart John Scanlon and the Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor team. They are designed specifically for use within Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and reflect our clinic’s own professional standards, risk assessments, and compliance obligations under Australian law and regulatory authorities. External individuals, practitioners, or organisations must not copy, reproduce, distribute, or rely upon these materials, in whole or in part, for their own clinical, commercial, or educational use without prior written consent from Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor. These materials do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and are not intended to be adopted as official protocols or procedures by any other entity. Any external use or adaptation must be independently reviewed and modified to meet the relevant laws, guidelines, and standards applicable to the user’s own jurisdiction, scope of practice, and facility operations. Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and Dr. Bart Scanlon accept no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the unauthorised use, reliance upon, or misinterpretation of this material.