Ear wax can’t be cleared by GPs
PATIENTS with a severe build-up of wax in their ears will now have to travel to hospital for the “simple” syringe procedure rather than seeing their GP, it has been revealed.
The Local Medical Council is advising GP practices that ear syringing is something they should no longer offer unless they have the right funding.
Instead, it insists the procedure should be carried out in hospital at an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic.
But patients say this decision is contributing to the congestion and parking woes in hospitals – and adding even more red tape to the NHS.
Former NHS manager Professor David Jones is currently suffering with hearing problems due to a build-up of wax in one of his ears.
While attempting to book an appointment at North Cardiff Medical Centre, in Thornhill, Cardiff, the receptionist told him the practice no longer carries out ear syringing.
The 86-year-old, from Lisvane, said: “I was told to book an appointment with my GP, which could take two to three weeks, who would then refer me to the ENT department at the University Hospital of Wales.
“Now I can see why the NHS is so short of money. I feel this is a massive waste of time and is creating more problems for our already overburdened hospitals.
“It’s already a nightmare to park in the hospital as it is. A de-waxing is a very simple procedure and can be carried out very capably by a doctor or nurse in the community.
“Everything that isn’t essential should not be placed in a teaching hospital. It’s daft.”
He said the Welsh NHS should be doing “all it can” to ensure GP surgeries are strengthened and given the best resources to carry out procedures like this. The pensioner said a “travelling” service, where mass appointments are made to carry out the dewaxing in the community, would reduce hospital pressures.
He said he fears it would take weeks, if not months, to clear his ears.
In response, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “The clinical view based on research evidence is that ear syringing is to be undertaken as a last resort and patients with persistent problems should be referred to the local Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic for micro suction, if softening drops have been tried and did not work.
“Micro suction is the only evidence-based safe method of removing wax from the ear, and currently this is only available in hospital outpatient facilities.
“However, as an independent contractor, a GP can decide to invest in providing micro suction if they feel that is a service they wish to provide.
“If this service is not available, patients can be referred to the ENT clinic and placed on the waiting list for micro suction.
“The Local Medical Council are advising GP practices that ear syringing is something that practices should not offer unless they have all the necessary facilities to safely undertake this service together with the necessary funding.”