The ENT rapid access clinic is an appointment based service that offers an expedited review for patients with a select number of acute ENT conditions.  It aims to reduce pressure on the emergency department and represents a referral avenue for patients unsuitable for a 2 week wait pathway.

The ENT rapid access clinic adheres to a strict referral criteria.

Inclusion criteria:

• Fractured nasal bones (should be seen within 14 days of injury)
• Acute otitis externa unresponsive to topical antibiotics
• Recurrent or persistent epistaxis
• Aural or nasal foreign body
• Ear trauma
• Complicated ear wax (profound deafness, single hearing aid, associated infection)
• Lower motor neuron facial palsy with otalgia or hearing loss

Please note – suspected sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an ENT emergency. The ENT on call team should be contacted for a review within 24 hours.

The following list of referrers can access this service via CCG or if its urgent then by calling the telephone number during the access times listed:

• GP
• Trust Health Care Professional