Podiatry Services
Who is this service for?
The podiatry service is for patients in North Somerset.
The podiatry department has a team of podiatrists supported by a podiatry foot care assistant and an administration team.
We offer a wide range of community services for people with various conditions affecting the foot and lower limb. These services are provided throughout North Somerset.
Who do we work with?
Podiatry is defined as a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the lower limb. The role of the podiatrist is to maintain and improve foot health, improve foot function and to alleviate pain in those patients who are at risk of developing limb threatening conditions such as foot ulceration and amputation.
Podiatrists are professionals responsible for:
- Patient assessment
- Diagnosis
- Evaluation and treatment
- Empowerment
- Implementing evidence based practice
- Multidisciplinary working with Consultants, GP's, Community and Practice Nurses and specialist nurses such as Tissue Viability Nurses
Nail cutting
Nail cutting is not routinely provided to all patients under the podiatry service. Access to a nail cutting service is provided to certain 'at risk' patients, where there is a clearly identified medical condition which may place the patient at risk of hospitalisation due to ulceration and potential amputation of a limb.
What is the 'High Risk' or 'At Risk' Foot?
The 'high risk' or 'at risk' foot for example is a patient with a medical condition or illness that may make it more difficult for damaged skin to heal e.g. lower limb circulatory problems, Neuropathy (sensation loss), Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis or certain medications/treatments such as chemotherapy for cancer.
What is the service?
Community Services
Providing assessment and treatment for predominantly 'high risk' and 'at risk' patients. This includes a wide range of conditions including wound care. We also work closely and run joint clinics with North Somerset's Tissue Viability Nurse; corn and callus debridement; provision of diabetic and vascular screening; and manufacture of specialist insoles for footwear.
Nail Surgery
A specialist service in the community providing the option of permanent removal of toenails. This treatment involves nail removal under a local anaesthetic and we can also provide nail bed ablation (to prevent nail regrowth). The service is available to all patients in North Somerset regardless of age. An initial assessment and consultation is always carried out prior to any procedure.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Biomechanical and gait assessment for musculoskeletal disorders and deformity for the 'at risk' or 'high risk' foot. Specialist podiatrists work alongside the Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Team, providing education and treatment for complex musculoskeletal pathology as a consequence of systemic disease.
Podiatry at Home
We provide a patient centred service incorporating a tailored treatment plan, education and empowerment supporting the wellbeing and quality of life of patients who exhibit complex medical needs and are likely to be vulnerable, frail and 'at risk'. Patients must be house bound to access this service.
How do I contact the Podiatry Team?
To be referred into the Podiatry service all patients must have a referral from their GP surgery or health care professional e.g. Practice Nurse, District Nurse. Self-referrals to the podiatry service are not accepted.
For podiatry appointment enquiries in: Clevedon, Nailsea or Portishead areas:
Telephone: 01275 342285
For Podiatry appointment enquiries in: Weston, Worle, Winscombe or Yatton areas:
Telephone: 01275 547085
Address:
The Podiatry Administration Department
Clevedon Community Hospital
Old Street, Clevedon
BS21 6BS
Fax: 01275 546994
GP's and Health care professionals only: How to refer to the Podiatry Team:
If you are a GP or health care professional and you need to refer a patient to the podiatry team, please complete the form below and return to Clevedon Community Hospital.
Patient Information Leaflets:
Podiatry Patient Information Leaflets