Podiatrist-should I be able to see one?

[donnellysdogs]

Thanks to everyone for their responses.

Just to let you know that I got a referral after seing a different GP at same surgery, and went to my appointment last week. The GP had me on medicine for fungal toe nails, and the podiatrist told me I haven't got fungal toenails, just thick nails.......and told me to stop taking the tablets.

So, thank goodness for the podiatrist, who did a fantastic job on my feet, and has told me I can phone her when I need another appointment.

Now I can stop taking the unecessary medicine presribed by my GP!!!

I am so glad that I persevered.
Many thanks...Sharon

 

[cavelioness]

I pay a lovely lady £16.00 about every 6 weeks to keep my feet sorted. She comes to the house and my feet havent felt so good in years. When I requested a podiatrist both my doctor and diabetic nurse said that wasnt necessary......it feels so great to be such an unnecessary person

 

[podder]

Oh dear, I think there's a bit of assumed entitlement at work here. There isn't an automatic right to be referred to an NHS podiatrist just because diabetes is present: there should be a pathological change in the feet which requires the attention of the podiatrist. Just being unable to reach to cut the nails doesn't constitute a foot pathology.

I'm an NHS podiatrist of 32 years standing.

Hope your treatment is working out OK for you.

 

[cugila]

Oh dear, I think there's a bit of assumed entitlement at work here. There isn't an automatic right to be referred to an NHS podiatrist just because diabetes is present: there should be a pathological change in the feet which requires the attention of the podiatrist. Just being unable to reach to cut the nails doesn't constitute a foot pathology.

I'm an NHS podiatrist of 32 years standing.

Hope your treatment is working out OK for you.

podder.

This thread is from June 2009 when it was last posted on........ :|

Since that time there have been several more recent threads which discuss the subject and many that also make it very clear that the inability to cut nails is not normally the realm of the Podiatrist.

However we have found that some Health Care Trusts actually have Clinic's where Podiatrists are available for minor foot problems and in the latest one which was last month they are happy to do such a procedure. Whether the actual Podiatrist does that or just a Nurse is not made clear.

A Diabetic of course can always self refer for foot problems although certain areas of the UK do not allow that and it has to be a referral from a GP.

The NICE guidelines regarding foot care are as follows :

1.1.1.9
Structured patient education should be made available to all people with diabetes at the time of initial diagnosis, and then as required on an ongoing basis, based on a formal, regular assessment of need.

In my case that meant seeing a Podiatrist for assessment and then being seen on an Ad-Hoc basis.

As regards Nail care there is also this which also states 'Special Arrangements' should be made for those with mobility or Disability problems for people at higher risk.

1.1.5.4
At each review, evaluate provision and provide appropriate:
• intensified foot care education
• specialist footwear and insoles
• skin and nail care.

1.1.5.5
Ensure special arrangements for access to the foot protection team for those people with disabilities or immobility.

 

[copepod]

Thanks Podder for your input.
Cugilla, surely it's good when a professional seeks out an appropriate thread, even if it's old, to post their advice?

 

[cugila]

Thanks Podder for your input.
Cugilla, surely it's good when a professional seeks out an appropriate thread, even if it's old, to post their advice?

Do you see anybody complaining ??

It was a factual statement.....it IS an old thread and there ARE many more recent threads where the current advice is posted as I pointed out......no more no less. What we do here. Up to date information as contained in MY input.........