Bridgend aesthetics service prosecuted by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales following investigation

The prosecution followed a criminal investigation by HIW as part of its role as the independent inspectorate and regulator of healthcare in Wales. The provider, Mrs Lady Helen Mary Morgan-Wooldridge, trading as Fake It - Beauty and Aesthetics, pleaded guilty to two criminal offences. The court imposed financial orders totalling £8,960, comprising a fine and costs incurred by HIW and Welsh Government Legal Services.

In February 2025, HIW identified that unregistered laser services were being advertised and provided at Fake It - Beauty and Aesthetics. On 5 March 2025, the provider was instructed to immediately stop providing these registerable services. Although the provider subsequently told HIW that laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments would stop, evidence obtained during the investigation showed that unregistered treatments continued.

During an unannounced enforcement visit on 11 June 2025, HIW identified two Class 4 laser devices and used its powers under the Care Standards Act 2000 to seize evidence as part of its investigation. Records obtained during the investigation documented 55 laser treatments provided to 16 customers, including 19 treatments recorded, after HIW had instructed the provider to stop providing the services.

The investigation also found that a former, and therefore invalid, HIW registration certificate was displayed at the premises. During an interview under caution, the provider accepted that displaying the former certificate at the new premises could give customers the impression that the service was registered.

Following completion of its investigation, HIW referred the case to Welsh Government Legal Services to pursue prosecution for offences under sections 11 and 26 of the Care Standards Act 2000.

Scott Howe, Head of Regulation and Escalation at Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, said:

“Registration is an important part of protecting people using independent healthcare services in Wales. Where registration is required by law, providers must be registered before delivering those services.

In this case, treatments continued after HIW had made it clear that the registerable services must stop. Our investigation uncovered evidence which ultimately resulted in this criminal prosecution.

This case sends a clear message to providers. Failing to comply with registration requirements can result in criminal prosecution and conviction. We will take appropriate enforcement action where necessary to protect people using healthcare services in Wales.”

Providers offering services using Class 4 lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) should ensure they understand their legal responsibilities before providing treatments. Where registration with HIW is required, providing those services without registration is a criminal offence.

Registration helps protect people by ensuring services that require registration are subject to regulatory oversight. HIW encourages members of the public to check whether a service that requires registration is registered with HIW before receiving treatment.