More to it than meets the EAR!
Spotting a gap in the marketplace for professional and efficient ear health services, Nurse Rabab Flack founded Causeway Clear Ears.
TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
I lost my mum in March and during this time I found myself pausing to reflect and evaluate my work-life balance, priorities and passions. I was aware there was a need to provide Ear Health solutions across our community and believed
I would have the required skills to establish a new private service to meet these needs both in a clinic environment and in clients’ own homes. I was excited to design and develop a high-quality service, drawing on my professional practice knowledge and skills.
WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS?
The concept is to fill the gap in service provision for Ear Health Assessments and Ear Wax Removal Treatments. My practice is based on NICE Guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
Research has now demonstrated a sustained loss of hearing due to wax build up or functional hearing loss, increases the risk of Dementia and other Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. It can also cause vertigo, tinnitus and ear infections and impact on social isolation and depression. Taking care of our Ear Health is something which people often overlook but it is central to maintaining good health and wellbeing.
WHAT IS YOUR WORK BACKGROUND?
I have been a Registered Nurse for 21 years and for the last 12 years I worked as a Nurse Manager for the local health trust within Community Nursing, which I was very passionate about and was honoured to have held several positions in management. During the COVID-19 pandemic I had the even greater honour of getting back in my uniform and working clinically across a number of services which reignited my passion to be back on the frontline of patient care, it brought me back to life again and reminded why I became a nurse. I have a passion to provide and oversee high quality care for patients.
- WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
Ear Health Assessment via Otoscopy, Video Otoscopy and Microscopic Loupes. - Ear Wax Removal Services using Microsuction, Water Irrigation and DryTool Removal.
- Services are available for both Adults and Children.
- I am available for company health and wellbeing events, private sector service contracts and community group bookings.
WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
My clients and their families. Every person has a story and often people need some time and space to talk through these stories. I have devised my appointments, so they are not rushed, and I have time for each client to assess them holistically. I have met some incredible people with incredible stories so far. There has been everything from laughter to tears in my clinic and I cherish each interaction with each person.As a business colleague recently stated: “There’s more to it than meets the ear!”
I also love my uniform! I designed my brand logo and the amazing team at Zesti embroidered it onto my purple scrubs.This uniform is the most comfortable, practical yet stylish uniform I have ever worn, and uniform is very important to nurses! We feel strongly about how our uniform should represent our professionalism and Zesti do just that with comfort and style thrown into the bargain! Check them out at www.zesti.co.uk
WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS?
At the moment I am enjoying becoming established across the community. I am also very honoured to be completing some business courses and networking via Enterprise Causeway,Women in Business and Causeway Coast & Glens Council. I hope to partner with other health service providers in the future and possibly extend the services I offer – watch this space!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR STARTING OUT? A wise person advised me that life is about taking risks. This is an amazing, exciting adventure so I would say – come on in, the water is lovely!
Steve Bartlett from Dragons Den suggested we check ourselves periodically to ensure we are “floating on the right stock market” given our skills and talents and how we grow and develop as people. Move where your passion is taking you!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING DURING YOUR TIME OFF?
I am mum to four beautiful children – Patrice, Alesha, Matthew and Sophia and our pup Josie, and a very proud wife of Denzil. We enjoy being together doing family things, having a good laugh and enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the North Coast. We are part of Causeway Coast Vineyard Church and love connecting with our church family and our friends who play a big part in our lives. During the winter – there is nothing better than curling up in front of the fire!
ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED YOU ON YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY?
My husband Denzil – he enables me to smash the glass ceiling and go for it, without reservation.
My amazing children and wonderful friends who have encouraged me so much (Sylvia, Nicky, Helen, Liz, Dawn, Fiona, Louise, Heidi and Ruth).
My new colleagues in Ostix House especially Ben Jarvie, Coleraine Osteopathic Clinic.
My professional nursing colleagues who influenced me so greatly – nothing is lost, nothing is wasted.
Also, I would like to mention my Lassara Heights family back home in Warrenpoint. And especially, my lovely mum – missed so much, hope you are proud.
CONTACT CAUSEWAY CLEAR EARS
Rabab Flack, Registered Nurse and Founder of Causeway Clear Ears, provides clinic appoint- ments at Ostix House, 1 Hillmans Court, Hillmans Way, Coleraine, BT52 2DF and does home visits, including nursing and residential homes across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
Facebook – Causeway Clear Ears
Website www.causewayclearears.com
Email – info@causewayclearears.co.uk
Telephone/WhatsApp – 07849811025
