Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the extent of geographical variation in access to NHS ear syringing and ear wax removal services; and what plans he has to support Integrated Care Boards to ensure consistent provision of these services.

The Department has not made a specific assessment. Integrated care boards have a statutory responsibility to commission cost-effective healthcare to meet the needs of their local populations. Guidance for patients on ear wax build-up, including when to seek advice from a pharmacist or general practitioner, is available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/