The Podiatry Service prioritises patients with an open wound. If you have an open wound or are concerned you may be developing one please phone 01727 732073 option 1 where you will be able to speak to a podiatrist.
For any other questions please contact 01727 732073 option 1.
About the Service
The podiatry element of the Herts Valley Integrated Diabetes Service aims to promote positive foot health and provide a range of services for people with diabetes related foot health problems. The service is targeted to those with the greatest podiatry needs, and those whose diabetes complications put their feet at greater risk of damage or infection.
The service is provided by a dedicated group of podiatrists and podiatry assistants, who are trained to deal with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the lower limb. All staff involved in your care will keep you informed throughout your treatment and give aftercare advice to help reduce foot problems. All of the podiatrists are registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council.
Clinic Locations
- Watford General Hospital (Podiatry Service) Multi-disciplinary Foot Clinics only
- Oxhey Drive Health Centre (Podiatry Service)
- Potters Bar Community Hospital (Podiatry Service)
- St Albans Health and Wellbeing Centre (Podiatry Service)
- Skidmore Way Health Centre (Podiatry Service)
- Avenue Clinic (Podiatry Service)
- Elstree Way Clinic (Podiatry Service)
- Gossoms End (Podiatry Service)
- Marlowes Health & Wellbeing Centre (Podiatry Service)
- Hemel Hempstead General Hospital (Podiatry Service) Multi-disciplinary Foot Clinics only
- Clinics are provided across the whole county and patients can attend an alternative site on request
How the Service is provided
- Referrals can be made by patients using the patient self referrals form or by GP’s or other health care staff using the Diabetes Service Single Point of Contact referral form.
- Podiatry Services are provided in clinics across the Herts Valley area.
- The initial assessment appointment will usually be within six weeks depending on medical risk status and the severity of the foot problem.
- You will be offered an appointment at your nearest podiatry clinic. If your appointment is with a specialist podiatrist you may be asked to travel to a specialist clinic.
- Those patients with an urgent wound or red hot foot should be referred straight to the acute multi-disciplinary foot team at West Herts Hospital Trust
What will happen at your appointment
At your first appointment you will be asked about your general health and any medication you are taking. The podiatrist needs to know this before they make recommendations or decisions about your foot treatments. Your circulation and sensation in your feet will also be checked. In consultation with you, the podiatrist will decide on a treatment plan which may include further tests and an appointment with a specialist podiatrist or discharge with self help advice .
If required treatment and wound care will be carried out.
Useful information
- www.hct.nhs.uk
- How to keep your feet healthy – www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Foothealth
- Find out about the most common foot problems and how to prevent them – www.feetforlife.org
- For people living with diabetes – www.diabetes.org.uk
- Information Leaflet: Choosing Your Footwear
- Information leaflet: Foot care for People with Diabetes
- Information leaflet: Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Easy read foot care for diabetes
- For Healthcare Professional Use: Hertfordshire Podiatry Service Professional Guide
- For Healthcare Professional Use: Diabetic Risk Classification: High
- For Healthcare Professional Use: Diabetic Risk Classification: Increased/Moderate
- For Healthcare Professional Use: Diabetic Risk Classification: Low
- For Healthcare Professional Use: Diabetic Risk Classification: Active, Ulcerated, Charcot
Making a Referral
HIDS – Podiatry-Self-Referral-Form June 23HIDS – Podiatry-Self-Referral-Form June 23
