South Lakes ENT Service

Non-urgent advice: Who are we?

We provide clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of non-urgent ENT conditions in children over 5 years old and adults. We aim to deliver a service in which patients and GPs can be confident that patients will receive quality, empathetic, patient-centred care.

We are an NHS service for NHS patients, commissioned by Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.

Based in Kendal, we see patients at Helme Chase Surgery, Burton Road, Kendal, Cumbria. Our clinical team are made up of GP’s with Extended Role in ENT, an ENT consultant, and Healthcare Support Workers.

Non-urgent advice: Service Overview

Assessment and management of common ENT symptoms including but not limited to:
- Blocked ears
- Deafness
- Painful or itchy ears
- Tinnitus
- Recurrent sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Voice disorders
- Sinusitis
Audiometry and tympanometry as part of a full assessment of hearing problems
Assessment and management of Vertigo and ear-related Balance Disorders
Microsuction for ear wax removal when self-care has been unsuccessful or for treatment of otitis externa, including mastoid cavity clearance
Assessment and nasal cautery for recurrent nose bleeds
Flexible nasendoscopy for the assessment and the treatment of sinusitis and nasal polyps.
Assessment of allergy related ENT conditions
Smell/taste disorders and Halitosis
Assessment of facial pain
Nasolaryngoscopy to assess benign swallowing disorders, including globus, benign hoarseness or voice disorders

We are able to perform the full complement of procedures expected of a modern ENT outpatients, in the diagnosis and treatment of all the above mentioned conditions.

We arrange any necessary investigations, including CT sinuses, MRI internal auditory meatus, and audiometry. Patients will be followed up by us if needed. If a referral to secondary care is indicated, including patients needing surgery, this will be made directly by us.

Non-urgent advice: How can I be referred to the service?

We see patients from anywhere in Cumbria, North Lancashire and adjacent areas of Yorkshire. Patients will need a referral from their GP or Nurse Practitioner to access our service.

Appointments are made using Choose and Book/eRS

Practitioners without access to Choose and Book can send a referral letter to:

South Lakes ENT Service, Helme Chase Surgery, Burton Road, Kendal, LA9 7HR.

Dr Ross Anderson

Bachelor of Medicine MRCGP, MRCS.
GPWER ENT and Clinical Lead for South Lakes ENT

Dr Anderson is originally from Cheshire and went to medical school in Leeds. He then moved to Cumbria after training in ENT surgery and completed his GP training in Carlisle, which is where he met his wife. Before joining South Lakes ENT, he was a partner in a large practice in the west of Cumbria. His professional interests include ENT, primary care research and aspects of travel medicine. Outside of work he enjoys walking in the hills, travelling abroad, photography, cycling and swimming