Help shape community earwax removal service in south east London
NHS South East London is working to improve access to safe, timely, and effective earwax removal services across south east London. Many people experience problems with earwax build-up, which can cause discomfort, hearing difficulties, and sometimes impact balance.
At present, access to earwax removal can vary depending on where you live and which services are available locally. Some people may need to pay privately, wait a long time for appointments, or travel further than they would like. We want to change this by designing a consistent community earwax removal service that is fair and accessible for everyone across south east London.
Listening to local people
Over the past few months, we actively involved and listen to local people with lived experience of using CEWR service, families and carers to collect their views and experience through
- an online survey – open to all residents to share feedback
- two online focus groups - held on 3 December, 2 - 3pm and 4 December, 6 -7pm (View the focus group presentation here)
- community outreach events: Ageing Well Festival in Bexley, Inspire event in Lambeth
To ensure lived experience shape this work, we recruited three local people with lived experience to support the development of this work and commissioning process.
Through surveys, focus groups, and community events we listened to over 90 people with lived experience of using the services and carers. People told us they value the NHS service but often do not know it exists or how to access it. Many assume they must pay privately because information on eligibility and referral is unclear.
Looking at what would make accessing the services easier, respondents identified a few areas of improvement. The most suggested action was providing clearer information where services are available. This reflects the wider theme identified across our engagement process regarding lack of awareness of free NHS provided services and how to access them. More locations across south east London was also highlighted as important to help improving patients’ experience.
Respondents suggested improvements such as clearer information, more locations, faster appointments and flexible options like home visits. They also stressed the need for joined-up care between GPs, audiology and other services and better communication for patients and carers.
Read full report on our online project page.
Next Steps
These insights and recommendations will guide improvements and next steps for Community Earwax removal services in south east London.
