Podiatrists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the foot and ankle.
They focus on areas such as Diabetes, wound care, Musculoskeletal (MSK) foot and ankle conditions, nail surgery and neurological, vascular and rheumatoid conditions.
Where appropriate Podiatrists will refer patients to other specialist pathways as part of treatment plans for patients – see below.
Please note: Registered Podiatrists are the only qualified specialist registered with the HCPC which has a code of professional conduct all podiatrists must adhere to – The College of Podiatry
Examples of Podiatry Pathways:
The treatment of people who have an underlying illness or condition that puts their legs and feet at increased risk of injury and disability. This may include wound care and ongoing podiatry care to help prevent amputation.
Low risk: normal sensation, palpable pulses and no other risk factors. Patient to self-care, annual foot assessment to be undertaken at GP practice. Will be discharged from Podiatry services.
Moderate risk: loss of protective sensation or absent pulses or other risk factors. Would remain with podiatry services for ongoing care and assessment.
High risk: loss of protective sensation or absent pulses or other risk factors plus deformity or skin changes or previous ulceration. Would remain with podiatry services for ongoing care and assessment.
Foot ulceration/foot protection: Current foot ulcer, infection or gangrene. Would remain with podiatry services for ongoing care and assessment.
Nail surgery is performed at one of our three hubs in Bexhill, Eastbourne or Newhaven. Patients will receive a telephone assessment or face to face assessment followed by the minor surgery procedure at one of the three hubs, follow up appointment and then will be discharged from podiatry services to self-care.
Patients will receive a pathway of care including exercise advice, information on self-help where appropriate, assessment, possible prescription and manufacture of an orthotic device, follow up appointment and will then be discharged from podiatry services to self-care.
For a registered practitioner please go to – Find a Podiatrist
Current access is for all based on medical need and associate level of risk associated with foot problem or medical condition.
Please note: Toe nail cutting and treatment of minor corns and callus are not provided long term to patients with no specific medical conditions.
Referral to the service is usually via GP, consultant or other healthcare professional. Please contact your health care professional for this referral to be completed.
Self-referrals are now accepted to this service and will be assessed in line with our NHS podiatry referral criteria and may not be accepted.
https://www.esht.nhs.uk/service/podiatry/podiatry-self-referral/
The team deliver podiatry care throughout East Sussex and are at Rye Hospital 2-3 days a week.
Links to further information on the service are: