Podiatry

Suffolk GP Federation manages various community services in alliance with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Suffolk County Council and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

Podiatry

Specialist Community Podiatry Service

 Providing care for people at high risk of serious foot complications

 

Our Specialist Community Podiatry Service provides assessment and treatment for people who are at high risk of developing serious foot problems.

We care for patients whose medical conditions place them at the highest risk of complications, helping to prevent and treat foot ulcers and serious infections, reduce hospital admissions, and lower the risk of lower limb amputation.

Because this is a specialist service, we prioritise patients with the greatest clinical need.

 

If you have diabetes and one foot becomes hot, swollen, red or changes colour, seek urgent medical advice the same day, even if it is not painful.

 If you require urgent medical attention, please contact NHS 111, your GP practice, or call 999 in an emergency.


Please note: We are not a routine footcare or nail-cutting service.

Is this service right for me?

You may be eligible for treatment if you have a medical condition that places your feet at high risk.

We commonly see patients with:

  • Diabetes and foot complications
  • Active foot ulcers or wounds
  • Foot infections
  • Poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease)
  • Musculoskeletal foot conditions for patients with an increased risk of foot complications
  • Ingrowing toenails requiring nail surgery

All referrals are reviewed by a clinician to determine whether specialist podiatry is the most appropriate service.

 

 We are unable to offer appointments for:

  • Routine nail cutting
  • Routine basic footcare
  • Verrucae treatment
  • Corns or callus where there is no significant medical risk
  • Foot problems that can be managed through self-care or by other services
  • Children under 5 years of age

 

If your condition is not suitable for this service, a HCPC-registered private podiatrist may be able to help.

Find a private podiatrist: Find a Podiatrist

 

Areas we cover

We provide services across:

  • Suffolk (excluding Waveney)
  • Thetford area of South Norfolk

 

To access the service, you must be registered with a GP practice in Suffolk or Thetford.

 

Self-Help and Foot Health Advice

Many common foot problems can be managed safely with the right advice. Explore our videos and downloadable advice leaflets to help you care for your feet and understand when to seek further help.

 

Diabetes and Foot Health

Watch our award-winning diabetes foot health advice video

More information on diabetes foot health is available via the links below:

 

Podiatry YouTube Advice Videos

Podiatry Advice Leaflets

 

Podiatry Musculoskeletal Advice

 

Children’s Foot Health Advice

 

Nail Surgery

Further information and self-help advice can also be found on the NHS website: NHS website for England – NHS

 

Refer yourself

You can refer yourself quickly and securely using our online referral system, URefer.

 

To help us assess your referral as quickly as possible, please:

  • Take clear photographs of your foot problem.
  • Have details of your medical conditions and current medications available.
  • Provide as much information as you can about your foot problem, including any recent changes.

 

Good quality photographs help our clinicians assess your referral more quickly.

Refer online: URefer

Telephone referral: 0333 043 3966 (Option 1)

 

What happens next?

Once you’ve submitted your referral:

  1. Clinical review – A podiatrist reviews your referral and photographs.
  2. Assessment – We decide whether specialist podiatry is the right service for your needs.
  3. Outcome – Depending on your clinical needs, we will:
  • Offer you an appointment
  • Contact you if we need more information
  • Provide advice or signpost you to a more appropriate service

 

We aim to review all referrals as quickly as possible. Waiting times depend on the urgency of your condition and patients with the greatest clinical need are seen first.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refer myself?

Yes. Most patients can refer themselves directly using our online referral system or our telephone referral number.

 

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Self-referral is available for this service. However, your GP practice or another healthcare professional can refer you if you are unable to self-refer.

 

Will you cut my toenails?

No. We do not provide routine nail cutting as part of this specialist service.

 

Do you treat verrucae?

No. Verrucae treatment is not provided through this service.

 

Why do you ask for photographs?

Photographs help us assess your condition and prioritise referrals more quickly.

 

How long will I wait?

Waiting times depend on how urgent your condition is. Patients with the highest clinical need are seen first.

 

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring any relevant footwear, insoles, dressings and a list of your medications if possible.

 

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. You are welcome to bring a relative, friend or carer to your appointment.

 

Contact us

General enquiries

Telephone: 01473 921810

Email: sgpfed.suffolk-podiatry@nhs.net

For more information on data protection in our organisation please click on the following link: Suffolk GP Federation and Data Protection – Suffolk GP Federation

 

Careers in Podiatry

Interested in becoming a podiatrist?

Suffolk Podiatry works with the University of East London to support apprenticeship opportunities and inspire the next generation of podiatrists.

Find out more about careers, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

Royal College of Podiatry: Routes into podiatry – Royal College of Podiatry – Student Hub

NHS Health Careers – Podiatry: Podiatry Careers Podiatry Courses & Training – – Health Careers

University of East London – Allied Health Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships | University of East London



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