"Lambeth Foot Health Services: completely pointless "

I have a permanent musculo-skeletal disability that requires lifelong management in the form of specialist orthotics and regular osteopathy (which I am forced to fund myself as NHS will not provide).

Orthotics last replaced in 2004 by NHS, produced by making a mould of my feet, then casting in a material to support feet where needed to enable better functioning and reduce hip pain/stiffness.

Since then, my prescription appears to have changed so these need replacing as they no longer counter stiffness and pain. These are absolutely essential on a daily basis - if I don't wear them I get debilitating pain and stiffness that does not respond to medication.

Got an appointment at the Foot Health Centre after fighting for several months, only to be told "the NHS cannot afford to take a mould of your feet to provide you with new orthotics".

Instead I was offered a flimsy third rate pair that look as though they are made out of cardboard and are not tailored to my particular needs. I wore them for 2 days and was in such pain I threw them out. I developed Achille's tendonitis and other issues, so they clearly were useless.

As usual, I therefore have to fund this essential, critical item privately at £300, as I do for everything else the NHS fails on. That's on top of the thousands I spend annually on private osteopathy to manage this condition.

The NHS is not fit for purpose. It is a false economy to provide a 2nd rate service. If the treatment doesn't work, it is POINTLESS, it doesn't matter whether it is cost effective to the NHS.