Terms and Conditions

DEFINITIONS

CONFIRMED

An operation can only be confirmed once the Surgeon Consultation has taken place, a deposit has been received, and the paperwork has been validated.

DAYS

Where days are not stated as “working days” they are days of the normal 7 day-week including UK Bank or Public Holiday.

DEPOSIT

An agreed sum of monies used to reserve space on an operating list which is non-refundable once outside the 14 days reflection and cooling off period.

GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC)

Is a public body that maintains the official register of Medical Practitioners within the United Kingdom.

ALFIE MEDICAL CLINICAL TEAM

A team of clinical and medically trained staff who review Patient situations and can approve clinical decisions should they deem appropriate.

MISSED APPOINTMENT CHARGE

Failure to provide 48 hours’ notice of non-attendance will result in a missed appointment charge of: Non-Clinical Appointments: £50
Clinical Appointments: £50

PATIENT

Any person who has entered into a contract with ALFIE MEDICAL requesting a consultation for a surgical Procedure (including but not limited to the nursing care and administrative functions provided to the Patient by ALFIE MEDICAL employees only) with the outcome of the Procedure being the responsibility of the Surgeon or Doctor.

PRE-OPERATIVEASSESMENT

An assessment carried out by a member of the ALFIE MEDICAL Clinical Team, in this instance typically a Nurse. A key juncture where payment in full is required.

PATIENT INFORMATION

Information provided to Patients in accordance with the Independent Health Care Standards and in line with regulations set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW) and Independent Healthcare Sector Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS).

This could include:

• Brochures, leaflets, videos, emails, advice and any associated letters, and any other information provided online or offline. ALFIE MEDICAL do not take responsibility for manufacturer’s information but believes the information provided to be accurate at the time of delivery
• Patient Action Plan (PAP) -A list of next steps
• General Cosmetic Surgery Guide (GCSG) -A guide to the steps and what to expect throughout the Patient journey Procedural Summary (PS)-A summary of key dates, the Procedure, Surgeon and agreed price

PROCEDURE

Refers to the medical procedure to be carried out by the Surgeon/Doctor and includes the activities of an Anaesthetist.

REFLECTION AND COOLING-OFF PERIOD

A period of 14 days from the date of the initial consultation with the operating Surgeon/Doctor, where consultation notes are completed.

ALFIE MEDICAL recommends in accordance with ‘Guidance for Doctors Who Offer Cosmetic Intervention’, GMC 2016 and guidelines identified in ‘Good Medico/ Practice in Cosmetic Surgery’ nn liaison with the General Medical Council) that Patients have an adequate time for reflection.

Patient can give written/signed consent NOT to complete this period at their liability and discretion.

RESERVED

If the Patient decides to pay a deposit to reserve a date for their operation prior to attending the initial consultation with the operating Surgeon/Doctor, a deposit will be required.
SURGEON/DOCTOR (including Anaesthetist)

Means an independent Medical Practitioner who is registered with the General Medical Council to practice medicine within the United Kingdom and who holds a Practising Privileges Agreement to carry out the Procedure with ALFIE MEDICAL at appropriate premises.

WEEK(S)

‘Week’ refers to a period of seven (7) days and where several weeks are mentioned, the number of weeks should be multiplied by 7 to give the number of days.

WORKING DAY

Monday to Friday of any given week except for a UK Bank or Public Holiday.

1. ALFIE MEDICAL OBLIGATIONS

1.1. Alfie Medical shall engage independent Surgeons and Medical Practitioners who: Are registered with the General Medical Council Hold the qualifications and experience required under Schedule 3 of the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010 Have been granted Practising Privileges at the Clinic or Hospital where they are to perform the Procedure Surgeons and Medical Practitioners are engaged as independent contractors, and are professionally and legally liable for, and are directly accountable to the Patient for their own tortious acts and breach of contract. They are obliged to maintain private practice medical indemnity insurance with the Medical Defence Union, the Medical Protection Society or any other insurer that is appropriate in accordance with the GMC guidelines. ALFIE MEDICAL is not vicariously or in any other way liable for the acts, omissions or breach of contract by the independent Surgeon or Doctor; such liability remains at all times with the Surgeon or Doctor.

2.2 ALFIE MEDICAL shall engage an independent Surgeon or Medical Practitioner to perform the Procedure.

2.3 Provided that the Patient has complied with theobligations of this agreement, and at the discretion of the Surgeon or Medical Practitioner, ALFIE MEDCIAL will engage the Surgeon or Doctor to provide Aftercare to the Patient.

2.4 ALFIE MEDICAL cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any matter which may be within the professional or legal liability of the independent Surgeon or Doctor.

2.5 ALFIE MEDICAL shall comply with the provisions under the General Data Protection Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2016/679), as will its independent Surgeons and Doctors who are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as data controllers in their own right.

2. FEE & PAYMENT TERMS

Deposit: A deposit is required should you wish to schedule a date for your procedure. The deposit amount will depend on the point at which you schedule the procedure. A £2000 deposit is required should you opt to schedule an operation prior to the surgeon consultation. A £1500 deposit is required should you opt to schedule an operation after attending a surgeon consultation. Payment Terms: Payment in full will be required immediately following the lapse of the 14-day reflection and cooling off period or 30 days prior to the scheduled procedure date, whichever occurs first. Should the procedure date be within 30 days at the point of scheduling, the balance will be required in full. Any failure to clear the balance in full in line with these terms and conditions may result in the procedure date being changed, or even cancelled.

2.1 THE PROCEDURE FEE WILL COVER:

• Hospital treatment and accommodation including Patient catering if the Patient has an overnight stay at the hospital
• Nursing Care.
• Operating Theatre charges.
• Appropriate drugs and medication relating to the Procedure in the hospital.
• Appropriate dressings relating to the Procedure in the hospital
• Where appropriate, the prosthesis in the standard range of the supplier or that specifically agreed between the Patient and the operating Surgeon.
• Pre-Operative blood tests. The Doctor or pre-operative Nurse will select and perform routine pre-operative blood tests and MRSA screening appropriate to the Patient’s medical history ancj/or Procedure.
• Pre-operative and post-operative medical photographs taken by the Nurse. These form part of the Patient’s confidential medical record.
• Surgeon fees during the hospital stay which include the pre-surgery consultation, surgery and surgical reviews, immediate post-operative care and post-operative appointments in line with your procedure taken.
• Anaesthetist fee which includes a pre-operative visit, the operation and immediate post-operative care.
• ALFIE MEDICAL Aftercare, pursuant to this agreement.
• Appropriate post-surgical garments relating to the Procedure, excluding bras. Any further garments required will incur a fee including post operative pressure garments

2.2 THE PROCEDURE FEE WILL NOT COVER:

• Electrocardiogram examinations, Echocardiogram examinations, X-rays, Ultrasound scans (USS), MRI scans, Mammograms or any other diagnostic examinations. Any subsequent remedial treatment needed following examination results will not be covered.
• Any drugs which are not prescribed by the independent operating Surgeon/Doctor who has been given delegated authority.
• 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/Doctor or Anaesthetist.
• Any additional anaesthetic and/or specialist referrals. These will incur additional costs.
• Any additional cost of, where appropriate, a prosthesis in the non-standard range of the supplier, other than that specifically agreed between the Patient and the Patient’s operating Surgeon.
• Additional night’s stay at the hospital – This will be charged at the current rate, as agreed with the Patient Coordinator
• Any expenses relating to travel, accommodation and time off work for original surgery or revision surgery incurred by the Patient or chaperone.
• Expenses relating to Procedure results, including but not limited to Manual lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massages following Vaser surgery
• Any additional charges, where applicable, will be added to the Procedure fee.
• The Procedure fee does not cover any costs incurred for non-compliance or breaches of these terms and conditions; this includes additional aftercare resulting from said breach.
• ALFIE MEDICAL does not cover the cost of loss of earnings for a Patient or their chaperone/family.
• ALFIE MEDICAL does not cover the cost of prescriptions or antibiotics in the event of a post-operative infection.
• ALFIE MEDICAL does not cover the cost of a Patient’s or their chaperone’s travel/accommodation/food, or any other related expenses in connection with both the original and/or the revision surgery. This applies even in the case of a Force Majeure; all costs need to be covered by the Patient and/or their chaperone/family
• ALFIE MEDICAL does not cover the cost of specialist dressings except in exceptional circumstances.

2.3 TIME SCALES EXPLAINED:

If the Patient fails to clear the balance on the formerly agreed date (as detailed in the Patient Summary), then ALFIE MEDICAL reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the Procedure and charge or retain the cancellation/reschedule fee as defined in this document. Please note, should a request be made which requires a change to these payment terms, then this could give rise to an administration charge being levied.

3. PATIENT RESCHEDULING POLICY

3.1 If the Patient reserves a Procedure date with a ALFIE MEDICAL Patient Co-ordinator and the Patient decides to reschedule the Procedure date, an additional fee will be payable (the “Rescheduling Fee”) dependent on how much notice is provided as follows:

• Prior to attending the Surgeon initial consultation or whilst within the reflection and cooling off period: £0
• Within 5 weeks of the operation date: £1000, or £250 if ALFIE MEDCIAL are able to fill the space within 72 hours The rescheduling fee shall be applied at ALFIE MEDICAL’S discretion pursuant to this clause.

3.2 The ‘Reflection and Cooling-off Period’ is unaffected by clause 4.

3.3 It is the sole decision of the operating Surgeon/Doctor or Anaesthetist as to whether the operation takes place; if the Procedure is postponed for medical reasons following the Anaesthetist or Surgeon/Doctor receiving information relating to the Patient’s past medical history which has not been disclosed by the Patient, the Patient will be subject to the fee outlined in 4.1 above.

3.4 ALFIE MEDCIAL reserves the right to postpone the Procedure in the interests of patient safety and welfare. Reasons may include failure by the Patient to follow advice given in line with clinical guidance which is provided by the Surgeon/Doctor or ALFIE MEDICAL Clinical Team and/or the Patient Information guide. This includes but is not limited to the example of a Patient who has continued to consume nicotine two weeks prior to the Procedure despite the instructions of the Surgeon/Doctor to stop. In this instance the Patient will be subject to the fee outlined in 4.1 above.

3.5 In the event of an operation being rescheduled as a result of following the advice of ALFIE MEDICAL’s Clinical Team, or under Force Majeure, which includes but is not limited to the example of the hospital facilities or the Surgeon becoming unavailable, the Patient agrees that no expenses in relation to travel, accommodation or time off work (for the Patient, chaperone or family member) will be recoverable from ALFIE MEDICAL.

3.6 If the Patient reschedules a confirmed revision Procedure, the rescheduling fee will apply in order for ALFIE MEDICAL to cover the losses incurred relating to the operating space.

4. PATIENT CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Procedures can be cancelled by either the Patient or ALFIE MEDICAL for a variety of reasons. This section aims to explain the consequences of a cancellation.

ALFIE MEDICAL Cancellation Reasons:

4.1 ALFIE MEDICAL reserves the right to cancel the Procedure for a variety of reasons including being in the interests of patient safety and welfare, along with a failure by the Patient to follow the advice given by the ALFIE MEDICAL Clinical Team, the Surgeon/Doctor, or contained within the Patient Information Guides provided.

• The Patient shall comply with all pre-operative instructions provided by ALFIE MEDICAL; failure to do so will result in cancellation.
• Failure to adhere to clause 6 of the Patient Obligations will result in cancellation.
• ALFIE MEDICAL reserves the right to cancel the Procedure should the Patient or their chaperone/family member display abusive behavior towards ALFIE MEDICAL staff, Surgeons, Doctors, hospital staff or any other person.
• ALFIE MEDICAL reserves the right to cancel the Procedure should the Surgeon/Doctor not feel comfortable operating on the Patient due to the Patient displaying an unusual degree of nervousness, unusual behavior and/or obvious uncertainty.
• If the Patient is found to be medically unsuitable for the Procedure, or that information has come to light putting the Patient’s suitability in doubt, and it transpires that medical information was known by the Patient but undisclosed to ALFIE MEDICAL, then the Procedure will be cancelled.
• The Patient will incur the following fees if the procedure is cancelled for any reason set out above:
  • Prior to attending the Surgeon initial consultation or within the reflection and cooling off period: £0fee
  • Outside of the reflection and cooling off period and more than 5 weeks before the operation date: £250 Administration fee
  • Within 5 weeks of the operation date: 50% of the Procedure fee

4.2 In the event of the Procedure being cancelled for any of the reasons above or under Force Majeure, including but not limited to the hospital facilities or the Surgeon becoming unavailable, the Patient agrees that no expenses in relation to travel, accommodation or time off work will be recoverable from ALFIE MEDICAL for the patient, chaperone, family member, or any other person. 

4.3 The Patient will incur the following fees if the Procedure is cancelled by the Patient:

• Prior to attending the Surgeon initial consultation and within the reflection and cooling off period: £0 fee
• Outside of the reflection and cooling off period more than S weeks before the operation date: £250 Administration fee
• Within 5 weeks of the operation date: 50% of the Procedure fee. CANCELLATION/RESCEDULING OF SURGERY – If a patient cancels in order to reschedule within 24hrs of their admission time including illness they will be liable to pay the cost of loss incurred by the clinic. This will be calculated at 10% of the procedure price or as agreed by the management team. Refund Process

4.4 Any refund must be approved by ALFIE MEDICAL Headquarters to ensure that it falls in line with these Terms and Conditions. Once approved, a refund will normally be paid within 21 working days. The refund will be paid in the following ways:

• Payment made on a credit or debit card – the appropriate amount will be repaid to the same card that was used to pay for the Procedure. The amount repaid cannot exceed the transaction amount paid on the card to ALFIE MEDICAL.
• Payment in any other way- the appropriate amount will be repaid by cheque in the name of the person who made the payment. If the amount was paid by a person other than the person having surgery, then a third-party repayment form needs to be completed.

5. PATIENT OBLIGATIONS

• Must provide photo identification (ID) proving the Patient to be at least 18 years old for any clinical consultation or surgical Procedure. The Patient must provide this prior to attending their Surgeon consultation or reserving an operating date.
• Shall sign all paperwork provided by ALFIE MEDICAL prior to receiving a Procedure date.
• Must provide their NHS number prior to attending the Preoperative Assessment.
• To understand that it is the sole decision of the operating Surgeon/Doctor or Anaesthetist as to whether or not a Procedure can or should be carried out.
• Shall provide to ALFIE MEDICAL, the Surgeon/Doctor or any member of the Healthcare Team a full health history• to the best of their knowledge. The Patient further understands that withholding medical information could put their health at risk, and that if thisis later identified, the Procedure will be cancelled. This will be subject to a Cancellation fee as detailed in section 5. ALFIE MEDICAL shall not be responsible for any additional aftercare required in these circumstances and shall charge any additional costs to the patient. *Includes details of past and current use of recreational drugs which include the following: class A e.g. Cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy (MOMA), heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone, methamphetamine (crystal meth) Class B drugs e.g. Amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, ketamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (for example mephedrone, methoxetamine) Class C drugs e.g. Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines (diazepam), gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gammabutyrolactone (GBL), piperazines (BZP), khat Please note: these lists are not exhaustive.
• Informing the Patient’s GP. As the Patient’s GP is responsible for the Patient’s general healthcare, it is important that the Patient informs their GP about any intended surgery. The Patient will be asked to complete this information at their first appointment with ALFIE MEDICAL, and ALFIE MEDICAL will write to them to ensure the Patient is fit for elective surgery and anaesthesia. No Procedure shall be carried out on any Patient who refuses to give ALFIE MEDICAL consent to inform their GP of the Procedure.
• Shall notify ALFIE MEDICAL immediately if a change occurs to their previously disclosed medical history, health or wellbeing, such as weight gain, pregnancy, change in medication dosage, etc.
• Shall be responsible for reading and making sure that they understand any Patient Information provided in relation to their Procedure ahead of the Procedure.
• Shall comply with all pre and post-surgical instructions provided by ALFIE MEDICAL, ALFIE MEDICAL’s Clinical Team, and the Surgeon/Doctor. Failure to do so may affect the Patient’s aftercare and result in it becoming void. j) Shall ensure that any invoices and/or outstanding monies are paid immediately following the lapse of the 14-day reflection and cooling off period or 30 days prior to the scheduled procedure date, whichever occurs first.

6. PATIENT AFTERCARE

ALFIE MEDCIAL’s Aftercare Policy has been designed to ensure that the outcome, health, wellbeing and ‘successful recovery are realized. Failure to adhere to this policy could put the patient’s health at risk and/or affect the outcomes.

• All Patients must attend post-operative appointments set by the ALFIE MEDICAL Clinical Team and follow advice and guidance set out in the Patient Information provided by the ALFIE MEDCIAL Clinical Team.
• No expenses in relation to travel, accommodation or time off work will be recoverable from ALFIE MEDCIAL for the patient, chaperone, family member, or any other person.
• Failure to attend two consecutively scheduled post-operative appointments will result in ALFIE MEDICAL being no longer obliged to offer further appointments and thus voiding the aftercare
• Any changes in appearance that have been affected by changes in lifestyle, weight fluctuation, pregnancy, illness, or the natural ageing process (all of which influence the original results of the surgery) will prevent ALFIE MEDICAL from providing to the Patient free aftercare. For example, if a Patient has gained weight post Vaser Procedure, or a Patient has lost weight after a Breast Enlargement Procedure and they are experiencing rippling related to this
• For up to 3 years after the original operation, where the Patient and the original operating Surgeon/Doctor both agree that further surgery is required, and ALFIE MEDICAL approve (if clinically appropriate), corrective surgery will be offered. The corrective surgery, hospital accommodation (where applicable), and nursing care will be provided free of charge.
• If the Patient’s Surgeon/Doctor decides that the results of the Procedure fall within the acceptable normal limits of surgery, further free surgery will not be available.
• To protect patient wellbeing, we update our clinical criteria from time to time. This could affect such things as safe body mass limits, mental health status, medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions and the effects of medication. In these circumstances a Procedure could be prevented from taking place.
• Patientsmust wait, sometimes for a period of up to 12 months, for results to settle and the final result to be realised before the formal revision process can commence.
• It is the Patient’s operating Surgeon/Doctor who owes a duty of care to the patient, and this is the only Surgeon/Doctor obliged to perform the revision surgery if this is approved by the Surgeon/Doctor and ALFIE MEDCIAL. No other Surgeon/Doctor is obliged to offer revision surgery to a Patient who is not under their care.
• Where a revision Procedure is required, the Patient agrees that no expenses in relation to travel, accommodation, or time off work will be recoverable from ALFIE MEDCIAL for the patient, chaperone, family member, or any other person.
• Any variances to the revision Procedure required, for example an increase/decrease in implant size, will be paid for by the patient.
• If the original Surgeon/Doctor is not available, ALFIE MEDICAL will appoint a suitable alternative Surgeon/Doctor to offer a review/second surgical opinion and determine the appropriateness for additional surgery. The Surgeon/Doctor has no obligations to perform, undertake or take over the patient’s care, but their opinion will be communicated to the original operating Surgeon/Doctor.
• If the Patient moves to another area or part of the country, the Patient will be expected to travel to meet with their operating Surgeon/Doctor; ALFIE MEDICAL will not cover such travel costs.
• If a patient’s operating Surgeon/Doctor no longer consults from their local clinic, the Patient will be expected to travel to another ALFIE MEDICAL Clinic to meet with their Surgeon/Doctor; ALFIE MEDICAL will not cover such travel costs.
• If a scan or other investigative work is required as part of the treatment plan, or needed to ascertain if treatment is required, this cost will not be covered by ALFIE MEDICAL unless it is within 28 days of the original operation.
• ALFIE MEDICAL will not cover the cost of any corrective surgery performed by any other provider or Surgeon without having been made aware and agreeing in advance.
• If the original Procedure was a day case Procedure and the revision Procedure requires an overnight stay, this will come at an additional cost to the Patient
• Additional breast implant cover may be provided by implant manufacturers, and separate information will be provided outlining this cover.
• For up to 3 years from the date of the original surgery, ALFIE MEDICAL and the Surgeon will approve corrective surgery, if clinically appropriate, where capsular contracture of a Baker Grade 3 or above is diagnosed. Should the Patient wish to change their implant to anything other than like-for-like, a fee will be applicable.
• For up to 3 years from the date of the original surgery, ALFIE MEDICAL and the Surgeon will approve corrective surgery if clinically appropriate, where implant rupture is confirmed by USS or MRI scan; however, patients are advised to refer to their implant manufacturer warranty. Should the Patient wish to change their implant to anything other than like-for-like, a fee will be applicable.
• If the Patient has their implants removed by another cosmetic surgery provider for any reason, and such implants are found to be ruptured, ALFIE MEDCIAL will not be responsible for any implant related costs. The Patient should contact the implant manufacturer to take advantage of the implant warranty/guarantee.

7. 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 or the Registered Manager, verbally or in writing.
• If the Patient has concerns regarding service or results and fails to resolve these at the ALFIE MEDICAL Clinic level, and would like their complaint formally investigated by a member of the team independent of the ALFIE MEDICAL Clinic, they should submit their complaint in writing; letters should be addressed to: ALFIE MEDICAL – FAO: Investigations1 114A High Street Edgware HA87HF
• Complaints should be made as soon as reasonably practicable, or within 6 months of the incident of concern to ensure the realistic opportunity of conducting a fair and effective investigation. ALFIE MEDICAL reserve the right to decline a complaint made after this timeframe unless there is a valid reason as to why the complaint was not made sooner.
• If any complaint is received from a third party of a Patient, written permission will be sought from the Patient before this complaint is acknowledged and investigated.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY/ DATA PROTECTION

ALFIE MEDICAL is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. At ALFIE MEDICAL, we are committed to protecting our patient’s personal information and confidentiality, and we take all reasonable measures to ensure the confidentiality and security of personal data for which we are responsible. ALFIE MEDICAL complies with UK law accordingly implemented, including that required by the General Data Protection Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2016/679).

9. ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS

• If the Patient requests to view their medical records and/or photographs at a ALFIE MEDICAL clinic, a Surgeon/Doctor, or a member ofthe ALFIE MEDCIAL Clinical Team must be present. This must be arranged by prior appointment.
• The Patient has the right to access any of their personal data that is being held by ALFIE MEDICAL. A copy of the Patient’s medical records or photographs may be requested by writing to the Registered Manager of the Clinic. ALFIE MEDICAL will respond within 30 Calendar days of receipt of the request. Full details are contained in ALFIE MEDICAL’S Medical Records and Data Protection Policy, a copy of which is available from the Registered Manager.
• The patients will need to sign a Release of Medical Records/Photographs form ahead of their notes being prepared; ID must be provided before the patient’s medical records are available for collection.

10. TRANSFER OF BUSINESS

If ALFIE MEDICAL shall merge with another business or transfer all or substantially all of its business to a partnership, a limited liability partnership, or a company, the Patient agrees that ALFIE MEDCIAL may transfer to the successor enterprise the performance of its services and benefit and obligations arising pursuant to these terms and conditions on substantially the same terms (so far asis applicable).

11. FORCE MAJEURE

ALFIE MEDICAL shall not be liable for any delay or failure in the performance of any obligation under this agreement caused by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of ALFIE MEDICAL or other person to perform the obligation. Without limitation such circumstances may include acts of nature, natural disasters, utilities breakdown, malfunction of equipment and such person may include a Surgeon or other Medical Practitioner.

12. LEGAL JURISDICTION

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

Please note that should a request be made which requires a change to these Terms and Conditions, then this could give rise to an administration charge being levied.