Sevenoaks Microsuction
Darren Tilley
I am an experienced NHS microsuction practitioner offering a private, flexible visiting service in Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas.
About Me
I am a GMC-registered Physician Associate (PA-R) with experience in General Practice, Frailty, Acute Medicine, A&E and ENT. I also hold a PGDip in Clinical Psychiatry.Currently, I run a weekly clinic for a local NHS community ENT service, performing microsuction to remove earwax, and managing common ear problems, such as acute and chronic infections and removal of foreign bodies. I trained over many months, under senior ENT consultants and specialist GPs.To date, I have performed well over 3,000 microsuction procedures on patients ranging from 12 months to over 100 years old. I particularly enjoy helping patients who need extra time and support to feel comfortable and tolerate the procedure.
About microsuction
Microsuction is the gold-standard method of removing earwax and other debris from ear canals. I use a surgical microscope or head-mounted loupes (for mobile work I use both the Vorotek O-Scope and Opticlar SLH Prismatic Loupes) to visualise the ear canals, and a medical suction pump with specialist attachments to gently suction out the debris.When undertaken by a properly trained and experienced practitioner, it is safe, effective and suitable for almost everyone.
When we meet, I will take the time to explore your medical history, discuss any historic or current ear problems, and explain the procedure before we begin.
Opticlar SLH Prismatic Loupes
Vorotek O-Scope
CA-MI New Askir 30 Suction Unit
PRICES
Microsuction (Bilateral):
£100.00
This is an all-inclusive cost for examination and microsuction of both ears, including travel within a 15 minute drive from Sevenoaks town centre. If little or no wax is found, the cost reduces to £50.00Additional Charges:
If additional time is needed for travel and/or complete the procedure, this will be charged at £20.00 per 15 minutes. Additional travel time will be advised at the time of booking.Payment:
Can be made by debit/credit card post-procedure.I am almost always able to complete the procedure within the allocated timeframe. Very occasionally, wax can be very impacted and despite my best efforts, it may not be possible to complete the procedure, in which case either additional time or a return visit may be necessary.
Contact
Please don't hesitate to contact by telephone, WhatsApp or email, I am always happy to discuss how best I can help you.My phone is always nearby and I generally respond to messages and voicemails within two hours.Telephone/WhatsApp:
07968 726580Email:
[email protected]
FAQS
Q: Are you DBS checked?
A: Yes. This is a requirement of my NHS employment and private practice, and I can provide my certificate on request.Q: Are you CQC registered?
A: No. The rules governing microsuction practitioners are nuanced and widely considered to be unfit for purpose. Currently, I am not required to be CQC registered, and because registration takes around six months and costs many thousands of pounds, I have decided to delay applying for registration until there is updated and settled guidance. Please do choose a CQC registered practitioner if you prefer, but please be aware that CQC registration is no guarantee of clinical competency.Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes. I am insured for medical malpractice, professional indemnity & public/products liability to a limit of £5 million.Q: Do I need to prepare my ears for microsuction?
A: The general answer is yes, a few days of olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops (from your pharmacy) will soften and loosen wax, making it easier and more comfortable to remove. The exceptions are if you have an active ear infection or a known/suspected perforation of the eardrum, in which case please do not apply any drops. It is also important not to over-prepare, this can liquify the wax and make it difficult to remove.Q: How long does microsuction take?
A: Once the equipment is set-up and the patient positioned, it usually takes around 15 minutes. It can take longer if the patient has not prepared adequately, the wax is very impacted, the ear canals are particularly narrow or deep microsuction near the eardrum is needed. The hour timeframe includes travel, set-up, examination, the procedure itself, break-down, documentation and after-care advice.Q: Are there any reasons why you might not be able to complete the procedure on the day
A: Very rarely, but yes, this is possible. Reasons might include inadequate preparation of unusually tortuous or narrow ear canals, encountering unusual pathology, or perhaps because the patient is unwilling or unable to tolerate the procedure. I am an experienced and patient clinician, and will always do my best to complete the procedure within the scheduled appointment. If the appointment cannot be completed for reasons beyond my influence or control, the consultation fee only of £50.00 will be payable if neither ear is cleared, and £75.00 if one ear is cleared. If I am unable to complete the procedure for reasons within my influence or control e.g. equipment failure, no charge will be made.Q: Microsuction prices are quite expensive, and seem to vary, why is this?
A: For mobile services, my charge includes return travel, set-up/break-down, examination, the procedure itself, documentation and aftercare advice. Microsuction equipment is quite expensive (around £5,000), there are consumables used during the procedure, as well as business administration, compliance and regulation costs. There may be cheaper providers but levels of clinical competence, capability and experience are highly variable.