NHS SEL Community Ear Wax Removal Service

NHS South East London Integrated Care Board intends to procure a Community Ear Wax Removal Service for residents across South East London.
The service is expected to provide a safe, accessible and person-centred ear wax removal service for adults who require clinical intervention for the management of impacted ear wax. The future service is intended to improve timely access to care, reduce variation across boroughs, support equitable access for underserved groups, and help reduce avoidable demand on primary and secondary care services.
The service is likely to include assessment, ear wax removal procedures, advice and guidance, onward referral where clinically appropriate, and support for people who may struggle to access traditional clinic-based provision, including consideration of domiciliary pathways.
The ICB is seeking a provider model that delivers high-quality care, responsive access, strong patient experience, and effective integration with wider audiology, ENT and primary care pathways. Further details regarding service requirements, contract duration and financial envelope will be included within the procurement documents issued at the next stage.

NHS South East London Integrated Care Board intends to procure a Community Ear Wax Removal Service for residents across South East London.

The purpose of the service is to provide a high-quality, equitable and outcomes-focused community ear wax removal service for adults experiencing symptomatic impacted ear wax where self-management or first-line approaches have been unsuccessful, inappropriate or clinically contraindicated. The service will support improved hearing, communication, wellbeing and independence, while helping to reduce avoidable escalation into urgent care, GP appointments and secondary care services.
The provider will be expected to deliver a comprehensive service model which is likely to include, but not be limited to:
- receipt and management of referrals and/or self-referrals where applicable;
- triage and prioritisation according to clinical need;
- assessment and clinical suitability checks;
- provision of ear wax removal procedures using appropriate evidence-based techniques;
- patient advice, education and aftercare;
- onward referral or signposting to wider health services where appropriate;
- accessible appointment booking and communication arrangements;
- consideration of domiciliary provision and reasonable adjustments for individuals unable to access clinic-based appointments;
- safeguarding, infection prevention and control, incident reporting and clinical governance arrangements;
- collection and reporting of activity, access, quality and outcome data.
The future service is expected to meet the needs of a diverse population across South East London and provide fair and consistent access across all boroughs. The successful provider will be expected to demonstrate how services will be delivered in a way that is inclusive, accessible and responsive to differing levels of need, including older people, people with disabilities, those with communication difficulties, and individuals at greater risk of health inequalities.
The procurement is intended to support improved patient experience and access through timely appointments, clear communication, convenient locations, and responsive service delivery. The ICB is seeking a provider that can demonstrate a strong approach to reducing waiting times, improving consistency of care, ensuring clinical safety, and supporting positive outcomes for service users.
The provider will also be expected to support service sustainability and value for money through effective workforce planning, digital systems, reporting arrangements and continuous service improvement. The ICB welcomes innovative approaches that improve access, patient experience, productivity or integration with wider community and healthcare pathways.
The procurement documents will set out the detailed service requirements, including eligibility criteria, referral routes, service standards, activity assumptions, mobilisation requirements, contractual arrangements and evaluation methodology. Bidders will be expected to demonstrate how they will deliver safe, effective and person-centred services, reduce health inequalities, promote integration across pathways and contribute wider social value.

This notice is intended to inform the market of the proposed opportunity. The ICB reserves the right to refine the final service model, contract structure and procurement documentation prior to issuing the formal opportunity.
The contract will start on 1st April 2027 and run for a period of 5 years until 31st March 2032 with a further extension options of up to 2 years (5+2) to 31st March 2034.
The estimated annual value of the contract is £1,063,060.
The estimated value of the contract for 5 years is £5,315,300.
The estimated lifetime value of the contract for 7 years is £7,441,420.
Interested Organisations must express an interest via At