Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ84876

A new pathway for the delivery of a NHS wax management service was given Ministerial approval in September 2020 and all health boards are now working towards its full implementation.

Full implementation of the pathway could equate to approximately 96,000 patient appointments in primary and secondary care being freed up every year.

Once the pathway is in place, patients will be referred to a primary care NHS audiology service where it will be performed free of charge freeing up unnecessary patient appointments in primary and secondary care. Whilst in some parts of Wales, wax management services will continue to be delivered through GP practices, the same standards will be adhered to.

All NHS Wales key stakeholders, including secondary care ENT departments, Primary Care Clusters and GP practices have been informed of the pathway and work is underway to reiterate the position and prompt further action for full implementation.

Wax management is provided through the NHS and no one should expect to have to pay for this service, although people may choose to seek private treatment if they so wish.

In addition Welsh Government has worked with all stakeholders to produce information leaflets for people living with troublesome ear wax, which explains ways of preventing or managing their condition. The link to the self-management leaflet is below:

English: https://gov.wales/self-management-ear-wax

Welsh: https://llyw.cymru/hunanreoli-cwyr-clustiau?_ga=2.193290405.904561192.1648473479-1056277096.1631882258