Reply To: Referral into NHS Podiatry

[Anonymous]

Hi Phil,
In general terms, it depends on why you are doing an urgent referral. If it is a diabetes case with, say, a new ulcer, then the referral route should be via the GP. The referral should be by letter, backed up by a phone call (logged) or email to safeguard yourself. The GP has a duty of care to refer to the multidisciplinary footcare team or Acute Services, depending on the overall presentation (not just Podiatry) within 24 hrs, or as soon as is practicable. Of course some GPs don’t know this, and get caught out if a case goes bad and ends up with the solicitor.

Much depends on the area you live in. The best way forward used to be to make an appointment (if you can) with Head of Service of NHS Podiatry in your area, and explain your difficulties.

Anyway – I am aware that you asked if anyone had managed to forge a Fast-Track method of getting your urgent patients seen by NHS Podiatrists. Hopefully someone will come on and say yes, and this is how you do it! 😀