had no other practical option, were continuing to have this procedure carried out on a regular basis by the practice nurse.
The GP practices admitted to both a big demand for this service and a long waiting list and so Galen started looking into what else he could do to assist in this area.
Following some research, he came across a new piece of equipment designed to carry out endoscopic microsuction and so undertook a training course, which taught him how to use this state-of-the-art technology from Clearwax.
The equipment, which is attached to an iPhone and which acts like a tiny vacuum cleaner for cleaning out the ears, comprises a microsuction tube attached to a pump.
Put simply, it physically holds on to the ear wax and draws it out. This technology is seen as the gold standard for the removal of ear wax and, while it is a highly skilled task, it
produces very quick results with minimal risk of infection.
Galen now carries out this procedure twice a week and has already consulted with 35 patients. In terms of marketing this service, he has now sent notification to local GP practices and is currently seeking referrals from the GPs.
Galen believes that his ear wax removal service is both creating competitive advantage and is contributing to the growth of his business. He has already consulted with 35 patients and is now carrying out this procedure twice a week.
The judges thought Galen’s initiative was a very innovative idea.
‘It’s good to see independent prescribing and clinical assessments with practical benefits,’ they said. ‘Galen should teach others about this and also bring in other extended minor ailments services like this using independent prescribing and clinical skills in the future.’
‘Tis means a lot to me. A huge amount of effort has gone into this over the last few years and I'm excited to see where it goes’ Galen Will
‘As the publishers of Scottish Pharmacist magazine, we're only too aware of the terrific work that's done by community pharmacists, but, even by Scottish standards, Galen’s initiative is an outstanding example of innovation’ Jason Andrews, Director, Profile Publishing
SCOTTISH PHARMACIST - 33
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