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Podiatry

 

Who we are

Podiatry is a relatively new term for the treatment of foot disorders. Pod is Greek for foot and iatros for doctor - hence the name podiatrist or foot doctor.  It is the health care field that specializes in conditions and functions of the human foot and ankle. It includes examination, diagnosis and treatment by medical and surgical methods.

 

The podiatry team provides more than 160 half day sessions each week in local health centre clinics, residential and nursing homes, as well as visiting housebound patients.

 

All Podiatrists are HPC registered and their Assistants either hold, or are working towards, qualifications from the professional body, “The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists”.  The Podiatry department also has in their teams the new position of Assistant Practitioners whose multidisciplinary function serves to provide the necessary “one stop” service for the patient.

 

 

How the Team works

The overall aim is to provide a seamless service for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the feet. All patients will receive an assessment within four weeks of receipt of a referral.

 

As an integrated part of their appointment with the podiatrist, each patient is offered a treatment plan and advice, to minimise the risk of future health problems.

 

 

What do we offer?

The treatment programmes involve many specialities including:-

  

  • Tissue viability
  • Dermatology
  • Falls prevention
  • Neuro-rehabilitation
  • Nail surgery
  • Vascular and neurological assessment
  • Biomechanical assessment / referral if appropriate to Musculoskeletal (MSK)
  • Management of the “diabetic foot”
  • Wound care
  • Shared care e.g. foot ulceration  with District Nurses
  • Routine foot care
  • Nail clinics
  • Foot health education
  • Student training

 

Support and Education 

The Podiatry Team also offers support and training for Health Care Professionals. We are committed to Clinical Governance and participate in Clinical Supervision, Research, Clinical audit and Continuing Professional Development.

Podiatry Students from the Universities of Salford and Huddersfield are accepted on placement with our service. Staff who are involved with students hold Clinical Field Worker qualifications.

The University of Salford has filmed our modern facilities at Lever Chambers as part of a recruitment CD Rom issued to potential students.

Staff are available to give talks to public groups and health care professionals on a variety of foot health issues.

 

Links to Further Information

Biomechanics

Services for people with diabetes

Specialist footwear provision

Other Podiatry Treatments and Services

 

How to access the service

Relevant medical details must be included as the service can only be provide for patients whose medical history indicates they are “at risk” of foot health complications, if they do not receive treatment. This includes patients with diabetes, neurological illness, rheumatic diseases, poor circulation, Reynaud’s disease and mental illness.

 

Anyone with an in-growing toe nail is eligible for assessment and treatment

 

Patients will be discharged from the service when the podiatrist assesses there is no need for further treatment.

 

Anyone can self refer using the podiatry service referral form. All referrals are triaged and assessed if they meet the above eligibility criteria.

 

Other sources of referral include:

 

  • G.P.
  • Carers
  • Other Healthcare Professional

 

Referral forms are available from Podiatry head office or local health centres or by clicking the link below:

 

Podiatry Referral Form

 

Contacting the Service
Address

Podiatry Office

3rd Floor

Lever Chambers Centre for Health,

Ashburner Street,

Bolton

BL1 1SQ

 

Tel: 01204 46 2666

 

 

 

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