Eligibility for NHS Podiatry/Chiropody

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The NHS can only provide chiropody to those people with a foot problem who also have a medical need for treatment. People have to be referred by an appropriate member of the Primary or Secondary Care Team.

So to qualify for free treatment you must fall into one of the following groups:

The priority group are those people we will try to see within 10 working days or 5 days if the GP refers the person as a very urgent case (usually an ulcer or acute bacterial infection).

1. People with Diabetes
2. People with peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation to the feet)
3. People with Rheumatoid Arthritis or similar auto-immune diseases
4. People with neuropathic feet (cannot feel pain or pressure)
5. People with a history of foot ulceration
6. People with acute bacterial foot or toe infections

The General Group are people with problems as outlined below who we will try and see within 20 working days if possible as all new priority group patients will take precedence in any waiting list

1. People with severe foot deformities
2. People with painful foot lesions
3. People who require advice on foot care or shoe buying

Any people from the general group on a waiting list will be given appointments with people over 70 taking precedence over younger patients as minor foot problems become more of a risk as skin tone and circulation becomes poorer with age.

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