Podiatry
The Podiatry Service assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems affecting people’s feet and lower legs. These may include in-growing toenails, sports injuries, foot ulcers, severe sepsis, severe foot deformities or functional problems.
Access to the service is determined by a patient’s level of need and the extent to which any medical conditions (eg diabetes) put the foot at risk of serious complications, such as losing the limb. Referrals accepted into the service are likely to include people who have diabetes, weakened immunity, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy or severe foot deformity.
All patients referred to the service for general podiatry (‘non urgent’) will be invited to a foot health education talk. The session includes an individual foot screening with a podiatrist to determine the most appropriate treatment. Urgent referrals are normally seen within one week.
Toenail cutting and treatment of minor corns and callus are not provided for patients who have no specific medical conditions.
Podiatry clinics are based in community health centres, clinics and hospitals across the Surrey Downs area. Home visits are only available for those who are housebound.
Who will I see?
The podiatry team comprises qualified podiatrists and a podiatry technician working together to provide advice and clinical expertise for patients experiencing foot problems.
Accessing this service
Community patients who think they need to see a podiatrist can be referred by their doctor, community nurse, practice nurse, health visitor, district nurse, speech and language therapist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist. To make a referra, please contact the Referral Management Centre (RMC), which is open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm (excluding bank holidays):
Tel: 020 8296 4488