Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of the withdrawal of ear syringing procedures by GPs on patient wellbeing.

No assessment has been made. In 2018 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published guidance which advises against ear wax syringing due to its associated risks. General practitioner (GP) practices are increasingly recommending self-care methods as the primary means to support the safe removal of ear wax and to prevent its build up. However, if a GP practice considers removal clinically necessary, ear irrigation or microsuction as clinically appropriate should either be undertaken at the practice if the expertise and equipment are available. Alternatively, the patient should be referred to an appropriate local NHS service. Local commissioners are responsible for meeting the health needs of their local population and should ensure there is appropriate access to ear wax removal services.