Podiatry

What does the service provide?

Formerly known as chiropody, podiatrists assess and treat a range of foot problems for patients in particular risk of complications resulting from conditions such as diabetes, arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and any vascular disease. Highly skilled practitioners also provide nail surgery and nail management for high risk patients.

How to access the Podiatry Service

You must be registered with an east Surrey GP practice to be referred. There are several ways to access our service.

Referral from your GP or consultant

Many referrals are sent following an assessment with your GP or consultant.

Self-referral

This allows you to refer yourself to our Outpatient Podiatry Service without having to see your GP first (you must be registered with an east Surrey GP in order to self-refer). 

There are limitations for access to the podiatry service, which are based on the level of risk associated with your foot problems and medical need. If you meet the access criteria for foot care the team may be able to assist with the following problems:

• Foot lesions wounds (e.g. ulcerations)
• Problematic hard skin/ callus and corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Foot pain.

The Podiatry service does not provide a nail cutting service.

How to self-refer

You can complete a self-referral form available to download below, and return via: 

• Post: Podiatry Service, East Surrey Hospital, Therapies (Green Zone), Canada Avenue, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 5RH 
• E-mail: Save the form as a PDF document (not a photo/jpg) and then email it to fchc.podiatry@nhs.net

You can request a printed version of the form to be sent you you by contacting the Podiatry Service on:

• Phone: 01737 231622
• E-mail: fchc.podiatry@nhs.net

What happens once a referral is submitted?

Your referral will be assessed by our Outpatient Podiatry Team who will ensure that you are seen by the right service at the right time. If your self-referral is deemed unsuitable the team will contact you to explain why and suggest a more appropriate route.

Self-referrals will be processed the same as referrals received from GPs and other sources, so self-referring does not guarantee quicker access to podiatry treatment. Self-referrals will save you time as you will not have to see your GP prior to being referred.

Appointments will be held at one of First Community’s outpatient clinics in Caterham, Oxted, Redhill or Horley (see below for full addresses).

Useful links

Basic foot care advice for common complaints:

The College of Podiatry: https://rcpod.org.uk/common-foot-problems 

NHS Choices: http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/foothealth/pages/foot-problems-podiatrist.aspx

If you do not qualify for NHS podiatry input or have been discharged and are looking for ongoing podiatry support, the College of Podiatry have a ‘Find a Podiatrist’ tool.