Sligo University Hospital ENT Department training GPs to deliver services closer to where patients live

Prof Nash Patil, Consultant ENT Surgeon at Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is collaborating on a National Clinical Programme for ENT Education to train GPs to carry out ear-suction procedures for adults with a range of common ear complaints.

Speaking of the significances of the project Mr Patil said, “The ultimate aim is to develop a network of GPs around the country who are trained to carry out ear-suction procedures so that their patients can be treated in their own GP practice.

“Previously these patients would have had to visit an ENT surgeon like myself or one of my colleagues for treatment. By training GPs we are able to deliver services closer to where the patients live which saves time and travel and is less stressful for the patients. On average 12 patients from Sligo and Leitrim, South Donegal are treated in SUH every week who in future will be treated in the community once the training has been rolled out to all GPs.

“The technique involves using specialist equipment to carry out micro-suctioning and can be used to remove wax as part of a GP’s assessment to determine whether hearing loss is due to a blockage or some underlying cause. It is a very gentle process and a far cry from the traditional syringing which can be very uncomfortable for patients. To date we have trained 60 primary care healthcare professionals in this technique of ear suctioning.”

The National Clinical Programme for ENT Education in Primary Care is being co-ordinated by Ms Camilla Carroll, the National Clinical Lead, in collaboration with Mr Martin Donnelly at Waterford University Hospital and Professor Nash Patil.

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Professor Nash Patil, Consultant ENT Surgeon at Sligo University Hospital who collaborated on a National Clinical Programme to educate GPs in micro-suctioning which is a technique used to assess and treat common ear complaints in adults.