This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Inconsistent podiatry care

Posted By arakt56

"Inconsistent podiatry care"

About: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

(as a service user),

In April I was seen by a podiatrist in Chard, following a referral for an ingrowing toenail. the treatment needed to be put on hold as a needed an operation on my hip, I have been told that its okay now for the treatment on my toe to continue. I need to get back in touch with the same podiatrist but I'm told that when I go back to the Chard podiatry unit I may not be seen by the same person but by one of the other podiatrists.

I did go to Wellington to have my to see to but got different advice: either my toenail would need to be taken off, one said it would need to be cut in a certain way; another said it would need to be cut in a different way. There is no consistency.

One treatment resulted in my toe bleeding and needed antibiotics to treat an infection that developed. It was a mess.

I can't understand why it's not possible to be treated by someone who has treated you before so that there is continuity in care.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Lucy Nicholls, Inclusion Manager, Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 5 years ago
Lucy Nicholls
Inclusion Manager,
Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

All things around equality, inclusion, diversity and access for patients and staff.

Submitted on 29/05/2018 at 10:03
Published on Care Opinion at 10:50

picture of Lucy Nicholls

Hello,

Thank you for leaving your feedback. I've discussed this with Emma, the Podiatry Service Manager.

Emma has explained that unfortunately we are not able to ensure that patients see the same podiatrists at every visit. This is because it is a very busy service. However, all our podiatrists are trained to the same level and follow the same guidelines. This should ensure that a consistent level of care is delivered across the county.

I'm sorry that you have experienced inconsistent advice and care. We could look into this for you if you wanted us to: you would need to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01278 432022 or email pals@sompar.nhs.uk.

I'm sorry that we can't make sure that you have the same podiatrist at each visit but I hope that you are able to get the treatment you need very soon and that you are soon on the mend.

Kind regards,
LUCY

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by arakt56 (a service user)

Thank you for your letter which helped but when I go to seek treatment and see different people they do vary in the way they cut nails and in their suggestions for treatment. One said big toes nail removal some time ago and having had that done years ago I refused! My nails are still on and need treatment possibly at the hospital according to a staff member at Chard due to the fact that they cannot find a pulse in one leg. I have booked arteries ND have just undergone an operation but on the opposite leg so this will not help the situation. I will ask the hospital and G.P.about the possible way ahead. But I would like to see more continuity in the foot care of the N.H.S..

Concerning the Age u.k.treatment I ended on antibiotics because of the awful mess that the young lady in Wellington made of my feet and I complained to them about this!

Response from Lucy Nicholls, Inclusion Manager, Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 5 years ago
Lucy Nicholls
Inclusion Manager,
Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

All things around equality, inclusion, diversity and access for patients and staff.

Submitted on 31/05/2018 at 15:11
Published on Care Opinion at 15:11

picture of Lucy Nicholls

Thank you for your update. I think discussing this with your GP is a good idea. You can always call the PALS Service, as I mentioned above, who could discuss this with the service manager for you.

Good luck with your treatment going forwards!

Kind regards,
LUCY

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by arakt56 (a service user)

Many thanks for your time and advice

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k