Podiatry
Who we are
NHS Podiatrists are autonomous practitioners registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and are experts in all aspects of foot and ankle conditions. We are highly skilled health care professionals trained to diagnose, prevent, treat and rehabilitate conditions of the foot, ankle and lower limb. We provide interventions to relieve pain, treat wounds/infections thereby keeping people mobile and active. Podiatric services reduce the demand and burden on primary/ secondary care and social services.
Who to refer
The Podiatry Service can be accessed by the resident population of Tayside who present with a foot related problem and who meet any of the following eligibility criteria:
All referrals are triaged by a podiatrist and are allocated an urgent, soon or routine classification, determined from the information received on the referral.
- Rheumatology/Connective Tissue Disease
- Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Diabetes Mellitus with a moderate/high risk foot score
- An open wound or infection on the foot.
- History of foot ulceration
- Chronic Degenerative Neurological Disease – for example Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsonism, Motor Neurone Disease
- Children (Pre-school to Secondary)
- Anyone requiring the surgical removal of a toenail.
- Musculoskeletal problems – for example Plantar Fasciitis
All referrals are triaged by a podiatrist and are allocated an urgent, soon or routine classification, determined from the information received on the referral.
Who not to refer
NHS Tayside Podiatry Service is unable to accept referrals for people who:
- Have a ‘low risk’ diabetes foot score
- Have corns or callous with no underlying medical condition that puts their foot at risk
- Only require personal nail care
- Require verruca treatment
- Have fungal nail infection but do not wish nail surgery
How to refer
Referral to the service can be made by:
*Please note that self-referrals will only be accepted if the person requesting assistance has the capacity to self-refer, or is being made on behalf of a child. In all other circumstances, a separate referral must be made by a healthcare professional. In accordance with The Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2013, referrers are requested to confirm whether a patient has capacity to consent to their treatment by a podiatrist. Where they cannot, a Section 47 will be required.
- Self-referral*
- GP & other Health Care Professional - SCI Gateway (preferred option)
*Please note that self-referrals will only be accepted if the person requesting assistance has the capacity to self-refer, or is being made on behalf of a child. In all other circumstances, a separate referral must be made by a healthcare professional. In accordance with The Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2013, referrers are requested to confirm whether a patient has capacity to consent to their treatment by a podiatrist. Where they cannot, a Section 47 will be required.