What is a podiatrist
Podiatrists are allied health professionals (AHP) who are trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. They provide assessment, management and foot health education to patients-enabling self care where appropriate
Will I receive podiatry?
A podiatry assessment will be provided to assess foot health needs
We aim to provide rapid access for any non-healing would -called and ulcer- in the foot and ankle.
Our service follows the Scottish Government Personal footcare Guidelines (2003), which mean we do not provide personal footcare such as simple toenail cutting or routine skin care. More information on Personal Footcare can be found here
Can I receive a home visit?
The NHS GG&C podiatry service provides home visits -also known as domiciliary visits- to patients who are totally bed bound or chair bound. We encourage all our patients to attend their community clinics as treatment is safer and more appropriate clinical environment. Appointments can be made on days and times that are convenient to you.
If you have had an acute episode of illness and are clinically too unwell to travel to a clinic, then please make your GP or health care professional aware so we can arrange a temporary home visit for you.
Please note: All new home visit requests must come through your GP or appropriate health care professional. All new patients will review a telephone or video consultation in the first instance to ensure you are triaged to the appropriate place.
You are not eligible to receive a home visit if:
- You attend any other NHS appointments – for example, GP, hospital, dental – with or without assistance.
- You attend hairdressers, shops, post office etc.
- You visit friends or family.
Prior to a home visit
You will be notified on the day of your visit by telephone. We will ask you if there are any special arrangements – such as a key box number- in order to gain access to your home. To help support the podiatrist please ensure:
- You wear socks or pop socks where possible instead of tights
- There is good lighting and adequate space to help provide care
- Your home is smoke free
- All pets are in a cage or in another room
- Your feet are clean and dry
During your visit
The podiatrist will update your medical history and medication. We will assess your foot and lower limb care needs and discuss an appropriate management plan. Treatment will be provided if required.
Following your visit
If assessed suitable for a clinic appointment, details on how to arrange this will be given. Similarly, if a return domiciliary visit is required, then this will be discussed and agreed.