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Refused Podiatry By Local NHS Clinic

S

Sandra Chant-Murphy

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dear Diabetes Forum

I am a newbie to this Forum. I was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes back in 2007, which I was informed was caused by my Multiple Sclerosis, (which I was diagnosed back in 1998).
Like all of you, I have had a life of struggle, but have kept as active as possible.
My biggest worry at the moment (especially regarding keeping active) is that every 3 months I would have my Toe-Nails trimmed by our local NHS Podiartist. However, the appointment system was very cumbersome andI had to go through my G.P. to be re-referred every time I needed my feet checked and to have my Toe Nails trimmed.
But, recently I have been informed by our NHS Podiatry clinic, that they no longer cut toe nails (for what they laughably call) "low risk" Diabetics. When I mentioned this to our G.P. he told me to visit a Phamarcist which had a Podiatrist. Upon visiting the Pharmacist to inquire
about the cost of having my toe nails cut, I was shocked that it would cost me £400 (in 2 installments).
I simply do not have that type of money as I am on ESA.
I am very distressed by this as I fear serious complications unless I can get my toe nails cut professionally, safely and affordably.
What should I do?
Kindest regards Sandra
 
Hi @Sandra Chant-Murphy and welcome to the forum. Unfortunately many health authorities aren’t offering podiatry under the NHS any longer. I don’t know how old you are but Age UK offer some basic foot care like toe nail cutting. It does say you may not be eligible if you have diabetes but might be worth a try:

Footcare services | Podiatrist near me | Age UK

Our local Age UKs offer foot care treatment, such as nail cutting, treating corns and calluses and more. They'll help you take care of your feet.
www.ageuk.org.uk
 
Find a private podiatrist I pay £35 for a qualified podiatrist to come to my home, she cuts my toenails & any dry skin and moisturises. I get them done every 6 weeks or so. But in between times I do get pedicures at my local beauty salon

My dad used the Age UK service to find a private podiatrist local to him, he was T2 - he was paying about £20 at the time
 
Hi @Sandra Chant-Murphy , welcome to the forum.

If you are unable to clip your toenails yourself because of your MS, you may need to have a talk about the help you need with your disability.
Diabetes without serious complications is not a reason to need a podiatrist to cut your toenails, but disability or neuropathy can be.
 
Sandra Chant-Murphy said:
.... first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes back in 2007, which I was informed was caused by my Multiple Sclerosis....
Click to expand...
Whoever told you this, was mistaken. Although both Multiple Screlosis and Type1 Diabetes are autoimmune diseases, your Type1 was not caused by the MS. A person can have more than one autoimmune disease.

I trust you will find a Podiatrist following the advice given above. The £400 you have been quoted is excessive. I paid £75 last time I used a private podiatrist, but my feet do have problems, so I needed a long appointment.

Perhaps ask your MS nurse if he/she can refer you? (My late husband had MS, but we never had to ask that question because I was able to clip his nails.)
 
As others have said, the NHS in most areas are no longer supporting footcare for those living with diabetes, unless they have existing podiatry issues. Of course, we all know prevention is better than cure, but we also have with the reality which can sometimes be a challenge in itself.

My OH, who does not live with diabetes has his toenails cut and feet checked every 4 weeks. His podiatrist is fully qualified. She charges £26 per session and each 5th is half price.

In your shoes, I would be contacting other qualified podiatrists to enquire about their services, including cost.
 

Edited by mods to remove screen shot
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As Disabled Person suffering from Type 1 Diabetes, who decides who is "Low Risk".
Medical evidence is clear, you are more at risk of complications if you are Type 1.
If I had the money then I would obviously consider "Private" treatment.
Mean while my toe nails keep growing and I can not ask them to stop growing.
However, the medical professionals appear to be playing God with my lower limbs, surely this is not acceptable?
 
Hi ElenaP
Thank you for your reply (and my apologies for my late response), Yes £75 is far more reasonable, and the MS Nurse/Team is a very good idea.
Kindest wishes
Sandra
 
local hospistal refused to do my mums, however with some travelling (30ish miles + ferry) she was able to get hers done at another location, she filled in form and bill was sent to the local health board. was travel only out of pocket. they were nhs registered. maybe worth looking into seeing if that is an option where you are ?
 
Hi @Sandra Chant-Murphy. How are you progressing with getting an appointment?

My feet feel good at the moment. I have just returned from seeing the podiatrist that I have been to previously. Her fee has gone up to £76.
 
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