Written question WQ88066

National roll out of the Welsh Health Circular for Wax Management is underway and the Welsh Government is in regular discussion with health boards and their audiology departments to ensure patients can access services in NHS primary healthcare settings.

Once the Wax Management pathway is in place, patients will be referred to a primary care audiology service where it will be performed free of charge, by Advanced Audiology Practitioners, 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 quality standards will apply. 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 support full implementation.

Ear 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. Where audiology services are not yet in place, advice remains to contact the GP practice to access existing services in GP practices or within community nursing teams.

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.

NHS Wales audiology services are delivered differently to the rest of the UK; a much stronger emphasis on more treatment and care delivered in the community, and our primary care services are underpinned by prudent health care principles. This puts new emphasis on what would work best for patients and makes the most effective use of all available resources, across primary and secondary care.