We provide specialist assessment, advice and treatment to help reduce foot and lower limb pain, and to maintain or improve the health of people’s feet.

Our podiatry service (previously known as chiropody) cares for people who have an injury or medical condition that puts them at risk of developing potentially serious foot problems, such as infections, ulcerations or amputations.

We work to help patients be as mobile as possible, with the minimum of pain and disability, supporting their independence and improving their quality of life.

Our podiatrists are based at GP surgeries, community clinics and hospitals across Dorset. In exceptional circumstances, we can also arrange to visit people who are unable to leave their home.

If you, or your loved one, have concerns about foot or lower limb problems, please discuss with your GP in the first instance. If your GP thinks more specialist treatment is required, he/she will refer you to our service.

The podiatry service is for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the service.  This in general is for 'feet in need' to prevent life and limb threatening complications.

If you have diabetes and a foot wound, or you think your foot is infected, or you feel unwell please seek medical help immediately from your GP or:

• Royal Bournemouth Hospital diabetic foot clinic (clinical advice): 0300 019 4811. Reception (appointments): 0300 019 4400.  diabetesfootattack@uhd.nhs.uk 
• Poole General Hospital diabetic foot clinic (clinical advice) 0300 019 8077. Reception (appointments): 0300 019 8060. diabetes.reception@uhd.nhs.uk
• Dorchester County Hospital diabetic foot team 01305 255130 diabetesfootreferrals@dchft.nhs.uk
• Alternatively, contact NHS111 or attend your local emergency department.

If you do not have diabetes but have a serious foot problem that needs immediate attention, or foot infection or you feel unwell, please contact your GP, 111 or A&E.