The SK:N Group, one of the country’s largest plastic surgery clinics, has gone bust. Employees said they were “blindsided” by the announcement, with clinics still taking bookings the day before it shut.
Thousands of people who have prepaid for treatments from tattoo removal and lip filler to breast augmentation may not be able to get their money back. Patients with treatments booked in or those halfway through treatment plans are awaiting answers about whether they will be left out of pocket.
Here, Telegraph Money explains what has gone wrong – and what patients can do about it.
What has happened?
The SK:N Group, which also owns the Harley Medical Group, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, told customers on Thursday that it had ceased trading as of July 17. The chain, which was founded in 1990, had more than 70 clinics across the country, including 17 in London, and employed more than 450 consultants, doctors, nurses and medical practitioners.
Most will have lost their jobs as a result of the closure. It had been trying to attract extra investment but did not raise enough money. Currently it is unclear how SK:N will handle cancelled appointments and refunds.
What does it mean for my treatment?
Any booked treatments will be cancelled. Patients should look elsewhere for further appointments and may need to pay for new treatment at other clinics. Some may need to travel further afield in order to continue their treatment. Dr Raj Thethi, of the Yorkshire Skin Centre, said: “It’s really sad for the patients as continuity of care grinds to a halt.”
He said that his clinic was offering discounted rates for patients who had already started a course of treatments. Other clinics have said that they will put similar measures in place for affected customers.
“Patient-centred care must always be the centre focus and for the sake of continuity we are offering these patients a discounted rate to continue with their courses of treatment to help at this troubling time,“ he added.
Where can I find more information from SK:N?
The company’s website is no longer live or taking bookings. It displays this message: “We are doing all we can to address the concerns of those affected. We will be contacting all clients still awaiting test results as soon as possible. All further updates will be provided on this website as and when available.”
Updates were also posted on the company’s social media pages. More information about SK:N is available on Companies House, which is the register of all the businesses operating in the UK. Information about the administrators, who were appointed on Thursday, can be found on the gov.uk website.
How can I get my money back?
The easiest way to get money back, for those who paid any of the bill with credit cards, is by raising a claim with the card provider.
Paying by credit card for goods and services worth between £100 and £30,000 provides consumers with protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means that patients can go to their card provider to demand their money back.
Provide all the relevant information, including any receipts or invoices, and details of the cost. Be explicit about what you are asking for, and mention the Section 75 rules, for example: “I’m making a claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.”
Some customers will be able to raise a claim through their credit card company’s website or app. Those who paid by debit card, which are not covered by Section 75 rules, can raise a chargeback claim. This must be done within 120 days of the transaction and can be done by writing to the relevant card provider.
