To ask the Minister of Health whether he will update the public guidance on ear wax removal services.

Following a number of questions recently on this subject, officials have contacted Trusts and Primary Care, highlighting the need to provide HSC public advice on ear wax removal. In the first instance, however, patients should always contact their GP, Pharmacist or healthcare professional to seek advice on self-management of ear wax removal. Patients can then be referred to either primary care or secondary care clinics to have ear wax removed.

Unfortunately, as with many services in the HSC, demand in primary and secondary care exceeds capacity resulting in lengthening waiting times for treatment. My Department continues to optimise all available resources whilst seeking additional funding to improve waiting times.