A new service is giving south west London residents quick and convenient access to the latest technology for treating minor ear problems – all at their local pharmacy.
Through the pilot scheme – the first of its kind in the UK – 20 community pharmacies in Merton, Wandsworth and parts of Richmond are offering assessments, hearing screening and earwax removal to suitable patients using the Tympa System, free on the NHS. The aim of the pilot, in partnership with the company TympaHealth, is to detect any issues sooner and reduce waiting times, taking pressure off GP practices and hospitals.
We’re really excited about this project, which makes it easier and quicker for patients to have their ears and hearing health assessed.”
The Tympa System enables trained pharmacy staff to see inside the ear on a screen the size of a smartphone (digital otoscopy) and, if necessary, remove excess earwax using micro-suction. Screening hearing tests can also be carried out using the device. If problems are detected, people are referred on, via their GP, to hospital audiology and ENT departments.
The pilot is funded by NHS South West London’s elective recovery fund.
Dr Aditi Shah, GP and clinical lead for the South West London ENT Network, said: “We’re really excited about this project, which makes it easier and quicker for patients to have their ears and hearing health assessed while lifting some of the pressure from GPs and hospital ENT departments.”
Referring people for the TympaHealth service has brought real benefits to our practice as it is freeing up our practice nurses to concentrate on other vital services.”
People who wish to use the service must ask their GP practice for a referral. However, they don’t need to be seen by a practice nurse or GP before attending. Once referred they will be contacted by their local pharmacy to book an appointment.
Morden GP, Dr Shinal Patel, said: “Referring people for the TympaHealth service has brought real benefits to our practice as it is freeing up our practice nurses to concentrate on other vital services.”
The service is available to people over 16 who have experienced gradual hearing loss and blocked ears. People with more severe symptoms, such as sudden loss of hearing, severe pain or discharge will not be seen by the service and will be offered the most appropriate clinical appointment.
Beth had a hearing health assessment at the Nelson Pharmacy, Merton. She said: “The micro-suction earwax removal was quick and completely painless. Unlike ear irrigation, which I’ve had previously, the assessment and treatment for both ears was done in one quick appointment. And I got to see inside my ears – before and after – via the onscreen imaging. The hearing test picked up an issue with one ear, which I didn’t know about and will follow up with my GP.”
The service has the capacity to treat 800 people each month, and more than 10,000 people during the 12-months of the pilot. Micro-suction is a very safe procedure not normally available on the NHS outside hospitals.
Pharmacies are a great place to deliver hearing health services. We have already seen over 800 people.”
According to Amit Patel, chief executive at Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Local Pharmaceutical Committee: “This is a great way of bringing care closer to local people in an easily accessible manner. I am really glad that community pharmacies have been given the opportunity to show the difference they can make, supporting the system as a whole to deliver better care. Pharmacies are a great place to deliver hearing health services. We have already seen over 800 people.”
People with minor ear complaints should contact their GP in Merton or Wandsworth for a referral to the service or speak to a community pharmacist for advice. Earwax will need to be softened before the micro-suction treatment can take place. People wishing to be referred into the service will need to use wax softening drops for 10 to 14 days prior to their appointment.