Podiatrist applying bandage
Service

Podiatry (previously known as Chiropody)

What does it do?

The aim of the Podiatry Service (previously known as Chiropody) is to help people to achieve their optimum mobility, increase independence and improve quality of life.  This may be achieved by providing advice, education, treatment or specialist referral to assist with the reduction of foot pain or to maintain or improve the function of the foot.

Service Delivery Area

We provide a Podiatry service at over 50 sites in Dorset.  This could be at your GP surgery or at a community clinic. 

What are the service opening times?

We provide a Podiatry service Monday to Friday from 08:30am-16:30pm, opening hours vary depending on the clinic location.

How can I refer?
[For appropriate professional/clinical referrers only - service users please see below]

Access to this service is via a GP referral only

Please complete and submit a referral form through Choose and Book. Please ensure that the form is completed in full and attach a medications list. For advice on patient eligibility please see our Podiatry referral guidance.

What functions/treatment and therapies are offered?

The Podiatry Service provides advice, education, treatment or specialist referral in order to help reduce foot pain and to maintain or improve the health of your feet.

The Podiatrist can give advice on how to self care so that patients can look after themselves or with the help of their carer.

Which types of illness/medical condition does the service treat?

The service provides footcare to individuals who have a foot condition or medical condition that puts them at risk of developing potentially serious foot problems such as infections, ulcerations or amputations.

Who will I see?

You will be seen by a member of our Podiatry team.  A podiatrist is a health professional who can assess, diagnose, treat and manage conditions of the feet. The title "Podiatrist" is a protected title and can only be used by people registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The HPC regulates the Podiatry profession and ensures that all of its members meet their standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.

As a patient, how do I access services?

You should discuss your foot concern with your doctor.  If your doctor thinks that you are eligible for NHS treatment he/she will send a referral to the Podiatry service.

How can I get involved / what support groups are available?

If you would like to get involved or become a volunteer within the Podiatry service please email podiatry.enquiries@dhuft.nhs.uk

Do you have information for Carers?

If you are a carer and would like any further information please email podiatry.enquiries@dhuft.nhs.uk

Where, when and how often are the clinics?

We have Podiatrists working at over 50 different locations across Dorset.  If one of our Podiatrists works in your GP practice you will be seen there.  If your GP practice does not have an NHS Podiatrist you will be offered an appointment in one of our community clinics.  If you are housebound and therefore unable to leave your place of residence we will arrange to come and visit you.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Please telephone 01202 443737 or email podiatry.enquiries@dhuft.nhs.uk