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Lack of Provision for Ear Syringing

Story from nhs.uk

"Lack of Provision for Ear Syringing"

About: Spring Gardens Group Medical Practice

I have just rung the surgery to book an appointment for the nurse to undertake ear syringing on one ear, which I have had completed previously, only to be informed that the surgery do not do ear syringing and I have to pay this service at a private provider - Worcester Hearing Services - who charge £40 per ear.

Whilst I understand the removal of services such as mild hayfever medication, gluten-free food etc. I cannot understand why ear syringing has ceased as this is a medical problem which is causing pain and reduction in hearing. The receptionist informed me that all they can do is advise to treat with olive oil, but I have done this and it has still not improved.

Why have patients of the sergery not been informed about the removal of this and other services for patients? Many patients are not able to afford to pay £40 per ear for syringing and do not have medical insurance.

Please inform your patients about the services you provide and the ones that you don't and the rationale behind these decisions.. .

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Responses

Response from Spring Gardens Group Medical Practice 5 years ago
Spring Gardens Group Medical Practice

Submitted on 30/07/2018 at 13:34
Published on nhs.uk on 20/09/2019 at 13:38

Spring Gardens do offer the ear syringing service, however there is a process that is followed to ensure that patients ears are not syringed unnecessarily.

Patients who request ear syringing are advised to try self-treatment of ear wax with olive oil and the use of a bulb syringe ( a leaflet is provided as to how to manage this). Should the patient try this and still feel they require ear syringing they are offered a GP appointment for clinical assessment.

The patient is informed that there is a private provider in Worcester that offers this service at the cost of £40 per ear to ensure that the patient has been given all the options available to them.

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