"My only regret is that I didn’t contact them sooner"

I am a woman in my 30's with multiple health conditions including long covid. This has had a negative impact on my ability to heal even the smallest of wounds, with pretty much every cut/sore becoming infected.

I developed problems with the big toe on both my left and right feet. I delayed going to podiatry due to fear of further pain from any procedure that may be needed. I tried to heal my feet myself, I tried private podiatry services but nothing worked and everything I tried, including private podiatry, made my feet worse.

I attended GP with a different problem, he noticed that one of toes was leaking exudate and advised me it was infected again. He noticed I’d been having recurring problems with my toes becoming infected and referred me to the Podiatry Service. 

I was anxious but agreed it was the best decision at that time. I received a call from Shirley Ann very quickly and was asked to describe the problems I was having. I explained everything to her in detail. She was kind and compassionate, she asked me send in a photo. I sent my photo in immediately after our phone call. To my surprise Shirley Ann, called back the same day and offered me an appointment within 1wk of the phone call. 

I was delighted with the efficiency of the NHS Forth Valley podiatry service. 

I needed nail surgery; this was completed by Shirley Ann and another member of her team supporting her. The aseptic technique followed was fantastic, Shirley Ann talked me through every step of the way. Her communication skills are excellent. She talked me through what to expect post surgery and even provided photos of what to expect my toes to look like over the next 4wks while they heal.

At week 6 post op my nail started growing and I developed problems with opposite edge of the same toe. I phoned in again, they took my case immediately without asking me to go to GP for another referral. All they asked of me was to send in another photo. Once again I received a call later the same day and was offered a cancellation appointment for the next day. This time I met Debbie, who was equally as friendly, and demonstrated excellent hygiene processes and was very reassuring that this problem was very common post nail surgery.

I then needed another appointment, this time I sent an email detailing photos of my problem foot. Shirley Ann called back again, gave me an appointment for the following day (again due to a cancellation). Again I was spoken through everything that was being done and Shirley Ann has been reviewing my feet regularly to monitor the nail growth and address any problems developing as the foot heals to minimise any further/ future problems. 

This is one of the best and most efficient teams I've experienced with my healthcare. Due to my complex health conditions; I have seen many services and none have been as efficient as this team. The infection control practices are 2nd to none and the compassion shown to the patients is phenomenal. Their communication skill are exceptional, they do not use unnecessary jargon but speak respectfully and compassionately to their patients whilst explaining procedures beautifully in terms that can be easily understood. 

This is a phenomenal team, they are an asset to NHS Forth Valley.

My advice to others with problems with their feet: do not hesitate in contacting this podiatry team: they are patient focussed, their knowledge base is detailed, excellent and evidence based. My only regret is that I didn’t contact them sooner. I have not had any further infection within my toes since making contact. I can be very critical of services when it’s warranted. So far, I have found nothing that I can criticise in relation to this team. Every cog in the efficient wheel works and communicates beautifully with the next. This results in fantastic, efficient, patient care being provided efficacy of patient care is of the highest standard.

The podiatry team deserve an award for the brilliantly care they provide.