• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Report criticises NHS foot care services for people with diabetes

DCUK NewsBot

DCUK NewsBot

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,059
The NHS has been criticised for not providing the recommended level of foot care services for people with diabetes. The College of Podiatry has released a report called ‘Podiatry: Driving Value, Improving Outcomes’, which highlights how the NHS is failing to deliver the level of footcare services outlined by health watchdog NICE. NICE recommends that people with diabetes who are at a moderate or high risk of getting a foot ulcer should have access to specialist care and offered a tailored package of care. However, the report says about 30 per cent of clinical commissioning groups, which are largely responsible for care outside hospitals, do not have a Foot Protection Service. The College of Podiatry chief executive Steve Jamieson said: "NICE guidelines exist for a reason. They are developed to provide healthcare providers with sound evidence-based advice on best and cost-effective practice. "The report shows that expert services such as podiatry are being sidelined, against NICE advice, and we believe that healthcare providers and policy makers need to recognise the role of podiatry in supporting their prevention and early intervention public health agendas, and take NICE guidance more seriously." The College of Podiatry now wants podiatry care to be pushed up the NHS agenda in a bid to improve people's lives and save the health service money. Jamieson said: "We need to see a change in the way care is provided to people with a whole range of lower limb conditions. Best practice is not about reinventing the wheel, it is about adopting good ideas. This report sets out the simple measures that could make the difference in three areas that impose a huge cost burden on the NHS across the UK and ruin countless lives." People with diabetes are advised to check their feet daily for signs of damage and to ensure they receive annual foot checks with their doctor. Additionally, keeping blood glucose levels stable is essential for lessening the risk of foot-related complications such as diabetic neuropathy.

Continue reading...
 
If CCGs change practice on footcare services in the same way that they have changed the rules on treatment referrals then expect to see more and more people suffering the consequences. The CCGs are cutting corners to save money in the short term and it is patients who suffer and the delays will cost more long term.
 
So the College of Podiatry says their members should get more work....... Given their vested interest, I don't know if we can trust what they say.

But as a podiatry service is so much cheaper than dealing with the problems later when they have got worse, I am glad that my CCG has a direct access podiatry service. More to the point, each time a podiatry service sees someone rather them they going to their GP it frees up GP time to do someone that only a GP can.
 
I was referred to the podiatry clinic where they diagnosed the neuropathy. Great.
That was 5he first appointment.
Had two other appointments, well what a waste of my time.
The two different ladies literally just scanned over my feet, not even looking of soles of my feet. I was in and out within 2 minutes. So I declined going back. Where I had to go to the podiatry clinic, I had to get a taxi costing me £12 each way. To me for a glance over my feet does not warrant me spending that amount of money because it's alot out of my esa.
Though I do have a qualified foot health care lady that comes to my house every 6 weeks and costs me £26. She knows I am diabetic and she goes over my feet like a fine tooth brush. She stays 45 minutes. To me that is money well spent.
 
ally1 said:
I was referred to the podiatry clinic where they diagnosed the neuropathy. Great.
That was 5he first appointment.
Had two other appointments, well what a waste of my time.
The two different ladies literally just scanned over my feet, not even looking of soles of my feet. I was in and out within 2 minutes. So I declined going back. Where I had to go to the podiatry clinic, I had to get a taxi costing me £12 each way. To me for a glance over my feet does not warrant me spending that amount of money because it's alot out of my esa.
Though I do have a qualified foot health care lady that comes to my house every 6 weeks and costs me £26. She knows I am diabetic and she goes over my feet like a fine tooth brush. She stays 45 minutes. To me that is money well spent.
Click to expand...
 
I have an appointment with the diabetes foot care nurse tomorrow afternoon, my surgery wrote to me about the flu jab and a blood pressure reading too.
 
I've been checked annually since diagnosis. Only needed to see podaritist whilst pregnant and recently for numb toe which is great now on pregabalin tablet.
I was given direct telephone number if any more open blisters.
I'd only use them because of my back otherwise I get down and care for myself.
Like any open wound.
Keep dry, clean and frequent dressing changes to compliment lower bgs. Win win.

Those not capable should be given easy availability.
Mine is a phone call away.
 
Back
Top