All new diabetic patients are seen for a 30 minute assessment appointment.
During the consultation we will take your medical history, in addition to the physical assessment. It helps us greatly if you complete a medical history form and bring it with you, copies can be downloaded here. We record details including your: name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, GP name and address, past and current medical history, allergies, medication, and any previous Podiatry treatment.
This is known as your minimum data set and recording it is a legal requirement. If you refuse to give us this information we will not be able to offer you treatment at our practice. We keep all the information you give us confidentially, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the College of Podiatry, the Health & Care Professions Council and the GDPR (we are data users registered with the Information Commission).
In most cases treatment will be provided at your first appointment, however, if your assessment takes longer to complete (maybe you need further tests) then you will be invited back for another appointment.
Many NHS trusts do not now provide routine foot-care services for people with diabetes unless they are considered to be high risk or at risk.
If you are housebound we may be able to provide podiatry care for you at home, please telephone your nearest surgery and the receptionist will be happy to organise this for you. (NB home visits are only offered to house bound patients within a specific distance of the surgery).
Preventative foot treatment has been shown to significantly reduce the complications in the diabetic foot and all patients with diabetes are recommended to visit a Podiatrist at least once a year for a check-up.
This video explains basic foot checks you should undertake everyday if you have diabetes