Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Ear Irrigation and Microsuction

Tuesday 19 April 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steve McCabe inquired about the adequacy of access to NHS ear irrigation and microsuction treatments.
  • The Minister responded that local commissioners are responsible for ear wax services, which should be available through primary care or referrals.
  • The Minister committed to follow up with officials regarding the inconsistent commissioning of ear wax removal services across the country.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve McCabe Lab
NHS
Context

A constituent complained about lack of access to ear wax removal services, despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of access to NHS ear irrigation and microsuction treatments? A constituent was told by her GP surgery that such services are no longer available on the NHS and should be obtained privately, despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia.

Answer from Maria Caulfield

Ear wax services are the responsibility of local commissioners, who must meet local healthcare needs. Services should be undertaken either at primary care practices or through referrals to appropriate NHS services. There has been no national removal of ear wax services; traditional methods like manual syringing are not offered for safety reasons, but electronic irrigation and microsuction should still be commissioned.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to writing to CCGs to remind them of their obligations and patient entitlements

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Q2 Steve McCabe Lab
NHS
Context

A constituent was told by her GP surgery that ear wax removal services are no longer available on the NHS, despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia.

Question

I thank the Minister for her answer but a constituent contacted me complaining that she was informed by her GP surgery that such services were no longer available on the NHS. Despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia, will the Minister consider writing to clinical commissioning groups to remind them of their obligations and patient entitlements?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

There has been no national removal of ear wax services, but they can still be commissioned locally. NICE guidance is clear on types of services that should be commissioned, including electronic irrigation and microsuction. If a local CCG is not offering such services, I am happy to meet with the MP to discuss why.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit directly to writing to CCGs but offered to meet with the MP to discuss the issue

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Q3 Andrew Selous Con
NHS
Context

GPs provided ear wax removal services for decades but due to NICE guidance, they no longer offer syringing. Many CCGs are not providing alternative services, impacting patients with dementia or receiving end-of-life care.

Question

GPs provided the service for decades. We understand why NICE guidance means GPs no longer offer syringing but there is a gap as many CCGs are not offering alternatives. This affects people with dementia and those at end of life who literally cannot hear and are going deaf. The Minister must be direct with CCGs on this issue.

Answer from Maria Caulfield

There should be consistency across the country in how these procedures are commissioned. After today's questions, I will take this up with officials to see why consistent commissioning is not happening.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to addressing CCGs but promised to discuss issue with officials

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