Introduction
The podiatry service provides assessment, diagnosis, advice, treatment and referral for a wide range of foot conditions. This is provided in health centres, community hospitals and the homes of housebound patients.
The type of patient and pathology that attends Podiatry today demands more from the service. Patients are attending with both acute and chronic foot conditions that require more comprehensive management. Podiatrists are frequently utilising advanced clinical practices and diagnostic tests that would have been traditionally associated with secondary care
In primary care our podiatry service continuously strives to develop and address the needs of our population. Our team has specialist high risk care podiatrists that deal with ever increasing numbers of patients with compromised tissue viability associated with vascular disorders, diabetes and other underlying medical conditions that affect their feet.
We also have specialist musculoskeletal podiatrists that deal with orthopaedic complaints affecting the knee, leg and foot. Management of these patients is comprehensive, utilising orthotic therapy, pain management, rehab and patient empowerment to optimise results.
All our patients are encouraged to actively participate in the management of their condition with us helping to facilitate their well being. These developments in our profile have been driven by the patient and the faith of our referrers in the service together with our relentless ambition to provide an optimum service to our patients.
Referral information for Professionals
Please review our referral criteria document when considering referring patients to Podiatry below, but we are happy to assess and advise on any foot condition in any age group, with or without an underlying medical condition
Please refer any foot wounds/ulcerations to us early in their presentation. Our Service aims to save limbs and lives by being the first point of contact for foot ulcerations; we can also liaise with Acute providers for step up / step down continuity of care.
Access to the service is via a written GP or health professional clinical referral.
Who is it for?
Anyone (of any age) registered with a Birmingham GP practice can be referred for assessment, treatment and advice on foot conditions. The length of the treatment episode will depend upon the risk status of the foot condition.
Nail Care
Just need help with toenails or fingernails? This is not available routinely, but we have developed:
www.bhamnailcare.co.uk where individuals can purchase safe, cost effective, non NHS care, for finger and toenails. Many Nail Carers’ treatment also includes arm or lower leg massage and nail painting.
Who provides Podiatry
All podiatrists are registered with the Health Care Professions Council and provide assessment and treatment at community clinics based in local health centres across the city.
A domiciliary service is available for the completely housebound
Waiting times for routine new patients are within five weeks, with urgent cases seen within a few days
Access to the service is via a written GP or health professional clinical referral.
Citywide access to podiatry - all in one place
There is now a single access point for all foot health referrals based at 2 Priestley Wharf B7 4BN
The central booking office deals with all podiatry referrals from across the city. It also offers a telephone booking system to patients, giving a choice of appointment within a few weeks.
Where can I go for Podiatry?
The list below has all of the community clinics based in local health centres. Not all services are available at all sites. You may have to attend another clinic for a more specialist treatment such as Biomechanics or Nail Surgery.
Clinics
Please click here to download the clinic locations for Birmingham. Please note that podiatry clinics are running on a reduced schedule due to COVID-19.
What happens at your appointment?
Your referral with be registered and a partial booking letter sent out to you. If you do not contact us within a specified period, your referral will be discharged. If you require an interpreter, please let us know when you book the appointment and we will arrange one for you
At your first clinic appointment your foot problem will be assessed and your general medical history noted. Your episode of care will always include advice on how you can help your foot problem. This may be advice on footwear, use of creams and /or use of a foot file to manage callus and hard nails. Many patients are discharged after their first appointment with many more only requiring a few appointments to improve their condition.
Nail Care
Basic Nail Care is not routinely provided on an ongoing basis except to the high risk foot.
Birmingham Nail Care Service is a non NHS, safe and cost effective, service that patients (even those with Diabetes) can access directly, so long as their risk status remains low as per NICE CG10 (please note: any patients with Diabetes will need their low risk status confirmed in writing to the nail carer, before they can access the service initially, and annually after that)
For more information : www.bhamnailcare.co.uk
Podiatry service clinical lead
Amanda Askew
07596 887 409
amanda.askew1@nhs.net
