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Podiatry service - not for all it seems

Posted By pelicandc73

"Podiatry service - not for all it seems"

About: Adult community health services / Podiatry

(as a service user),

I have used the podiatry service which I was referred to in the past but was discharged quite dismissively as I didn't have diabetes.  I have been put off attending again as they have been so dismissive.  I have had to ask my GP to re-refer me as I have had some issues with my feet. I thought about it long and hard because of my previous visits. I have now been along and they helped me with my feet but they said again that I didnt have diabetes. 

I am feeling quite frustrated as I do have a genuine need. It makes me feel frustrated.

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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 19/07/2018 at 11:29
Published on Care Opinion at 11:33

picture of Lucy Nicholls

Hello pelicandc73,

Thank you for leaving your feedback about the podiatry service. I'm sorry that you have been treated dismissively; that is not what we would want at all.

There is often confusion about what the podiatry service provides, which is really because it is - as your story suggests - a more specialised service that many people think.

The NHS podiatry service is not the same as private podiatry services which may provide many types of footcare, including nail cutting. The NHS service is for more serious issues such as wound care, nail surgery and looking after the feet of patients who have things like ulcers on their feet. We also offer foot education courses.

Nail care is only provided to diabetic patients who have a high risk of complications and unable to look after their own feet. It may be that it is general nail and foot care that you need, which is why this may not come under what the NHS is able to provide. However, you should not have felt dismissed, and this all should have been explained to you, so I'm very sorry that it was not.

It may be helpful to know that AGE UK in Somerset provide a nail cutting service, and you can read more about this on their website at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/our-services/footcare/#

The podiatry service manager, Emma, would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail to make sure that you are seeing the right service, if that would be helpful. If you would like to arrange a chat, you can call me on 079 202 666 92 and I will arrange this for you. Or you can email Emma directly on Emma.Blake@sompar.nhs.uk.

Thank you for leaving this feedback and I hope that the above information is helpful.

Kind regards, LUCY

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