Meeting the challenge at Podiatry

In order to meet the challenges of increasing demands as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be changes to the service provided by the NHS Western Isles Podiatry team.   

As a result of demand and current restrictions, as well as the capacity required to re-start the diabetic foot screening service, the team will be prioritising urgent and emergency referrals at this time. Anyone with disabling pain or who may require nail surgery will also be prioritised. 

Patients who routinely attended the Podiatry Department have previously been notified that they will no longer be recalled automatically for future appointments, and these are now Patient Initiated Referrals.  However, any patient who was previously attending the service and develops a wound or infection, is requested to contact the team as soon as possible on 01851 708285. If you have an enquiry or are unsure about whether you need an appointment, you can also contact the team for advice at wi.podiatry@nhs.scot

Patients are able to self-refer to Podiatry and these appointments are made on a priority basis as follows:   

EMERGENCIES   

• Ulceration (wound)   
• Infection (redness, heat, swelling, pain, discharge from wound)   
• Concerns about circulation in your legs (differences in temperature, pain or colour). 

URGENT   

• Disabling pain   
• Infected ingrown toenails   
• Non-painful foot ulcers or wounds. 

As capacity allows, the Podiatry Service will increase the range of appointments available for foot/ankle pain.  

These are classed as non-urgent appointments: 

• Foot pain which is not going away 
• Corns or callus which are causing discomfort 
• Extremely thick or misshapen nails that are causing discomfort 

The Podiatry team does not carry out personal nail care. Family members and carers can assist with personal nail care and those who require personal nail care are advised to follow the information at the following video links.  . 

• How to care for your feet – https://healthandcarevideos.uk/feet?videold=1520    
• How to look after your toenails – https://healthandcarevideos.uk/feet?videold=1521  

DIABETIC FOOT SCREENING 

The Diabetic foot screening service, which had been paused as a result of the pandemic, we are pleased to say has recommenced.  The Podiatry service will recall diabetes patients who require screening in order of priority based on those at the highest risk.  Information on foot care for Diabetic patients can be found in the ‘Looking after your feet when you have diabetes’ video at: https://healthandcarevideos.uk/diabetes?videoId=1556  

Sarann MacPhee, NHS Western Isles Head of Podiatry services, said: “We have changed the local service to ensure we can be more responsive to those patients in the greatest need. 

“The service has faced considerable pressure over the past year, both as a result of the impact of the pandemic and in terms of significant recruitment challenges. We are making every effort to address the challenges so that we can again offer as wide a range of services as possible, but recognise the delay in restoring some services will be disappointing for some patients and for this we apologise. Patients most in need of appointments will be prioritised, diabetic foot screening has recommenced and anyone requiring urgent or emergency care, or anyone who develops a wound or infection; can contact us or self-refer.” 

Podiatry Service Frequently Asked Questions are available on the NHS Western Isles website at: www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/our-services/allied-health-professionals/podiatry