Written question WQ84578

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.

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. Once it is in place, patients will be referred to a primary care NHS audiology service where it will be performed free of charge. In some parts of Wales, this services continues to be provided through GP practices.

It remains the responsibility of the health boards to plan how services will be delivered within their area. Services should be delivered as close as possible to people’s homes whenever clinically safe and practical.

Work is progressing to inform all Primary Care Clusters, GP practices and all other NHS stakeholders in Wales of the new pathway. Welsh Government officials are working with health boards to agree on how best to inform patients of how to access current services. Information leaflets are being prepared with advice for people living with troublesome ear wax and ways of preventing or managing their condition.