Podiatry services at MCHFT provide professional care and treatment for painful foot conditions or mobility issues related to a foot or ankle problem for with a clinical need.

Referrals are accepted from patients, carers, other health care professionals, GPs and consultants. Referral forms can be obtained at GP surgeries and Health Centres, or the form can be accessed here electronically and returned to the service by post or email.

The service provides care for adults and children with foot and lower limb problems who meet our access criteria.

Referrals will be triaged against the service access criteria shown on the form.

Inclusion criteria: this list is not exhaustive and may be updated or amended.

  • Those with a foot problem and a medical condition that could lead to foot ulceration or amputation.
  • Painful toenails requiring nail surgery. You will be managed and then discharged once your treatment is complete.
  • Patients with an active foot problem.
  • MSK muscular skeletal podiatrists assess and treat people who have an injury, disease or problem that relates to muscles, bones, joints and peripheral nerves of the feet and lower limbs.

Exclusion Criteria: this list is not exhaustive and may be updated or amended.

  • If you are unable to cut your own nails.
  • You have diabetes but no active foot problems.
  • You have fungal nail (s), dry skin, athletes’ foot, or verruca. These conditions can be managed with over-the-counter treatments. Please see links below and/or speak to your GP or pharmacist.
  • Annual diabetic foot checks. (These should be completed by your practice nurse)
  • Your pain or problem is related to certain footwear.

Podiatrists are health care professionals devoted to the treatment of disorders of the foot. Podiatrists use their skills to assess, diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions.

The Podiatry service aims to provide high quality interventions for individuals with complex needs that affect their feet.

 CCICP Podiatry services include:

  • Treatment of active foot ulcers.
  • Treatment of foot pathologies such as corns and callus for individuals who are at risk of foot complications arising from their medical conditions and foot problems.
  • Nail surgery for painful toenails carried out under local anesthetic.
  • Muscular skeletal (MSK) problems. Provision of foot orthoses (insoles) that compensate for foot and ankle problems.

The team includes:

  • Clinical Specialist Podiatrists
  • Podiatrists
  • Podiatry Apprentices
  • Podiatry Assistants

All our podiatrists are registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | (hcpc-uk.org) who ensure that staff meet their standards for training, competence and professional behaviour.

  • To provide early intervention, assessment, treatment for foot and lower limb problems and, where possible, empower people to maintain their own foot health and improve or maintain mobility.
  • To manage long term conditions, reduce the risk of deterioration and prevent hospital admissions and surgery due to leg and foot complications.ni.

We will try to offer you an appointment at your nearest clinic, however you may be asked to travel to an alternative location for your appointment.

Opening times: 9am- 4pm. Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays)

  • Alsager Health Centre, Sandbach Road South, ST7 2LU.
  • Ashfields Primary Care Centre, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1EQ.
  • Church View Primary Care Centre, Off Beam Street, Nantwich, CW5 5NX.
  • Eagle Bridge Health and Wellbeing Centre, Dunwoody Way, Crewe, CW1 3AW.
  • Barnton Clinic, Oakwood Medical Centre, Broadway, Barnton, CW8 3NN.
  • Weaverham Clinic, 23 Church Lane, Weaverham, CW8 3NN.
  • Wharton Primary Care Centre, Crook Lane, Wharton, CW7 3GY.
  • Winsford Clinic, Dene Drive Primary Care Centre, Dene Drive, Winsford, CW7 1AT.

Nail surgery is carried out at Church View, Eagle Bridge and Dene Drive only.

Podiatry MSK is carried out at Church View, Eagle Bridge, Wharton and Weaverham only.

Home Visits:

Podiatry is a clinic-based service, often involving sharp and specialist equipment.  Safe and effective treatment is best provided in a clinic setting; therefore, home visits are limited to those who are chair or bedbound. Patients who do not meet these criteria, including those who use wheelchairs or walking aids will be asked to attend clinic. Please note that difficulties with access to transport is not a reason for a home visit.

 

How do I refer to Podiatry?

Referrals are accepted from patients, carers, other health care professionals, GPs and consultants. Referral forms can be obtained at GP surgeries and Health Centres, or the form can be accessed here electronically and returned to the service by post or email.

 I am diabetic: Why have I been rejected?

 We are unable to accept your referral if you have diabetes but no active foot problems. Individuals with diabetes are offered a diabetic foot check once a year with their GP Practice. Individuals who are at low risk of foot complications following this diabetic foot check are not eligible for NHS podiatry care unless there is an additional podiatry need that is clearly identified on your referral such as a wound.

Why has my referral been rejected from the MSK podiatry service?

Please note we are not able to treat the following conditions unless you are considered “high risk” according to our access criteria. 

  • Fixed or deformed toes / OA / curly / clawed / hammered toes.  
  • Painful / inflamed HAV (bunions) due to footwear  
  • Ankle sprain - acute / chronic   
  • Hallux Rigidus – fixed / arthritic big toe joint. 
  • Diagnosed ganglion. 
  • Neuropathic issues / Ischaemic pain / Radiculopathy (pinch nerve / sciatica) 
  • Corns & callous.  
  • Footwear advice. 
  • Non-symptomatic (pain free) flat foot

Reasonable adjustments

  • If you have any additional needs because of a disability or impairment, please contact us via the booking  centre  for a call back to discuss how we can support you.
  • If you would like this letter in an alternative format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help to communicate (for example because you use British Sign Language), let us know as soon as possible
  • Therapy Booking Centre on 01270 278310 (Option 2) between Monday-Thursday 9.30-4.30pm and Friday 9.30-2.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

Can my child attend alone?

In order to comply with the laws regarding consent, any person under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a person who has legal parental responsibility over the patient.

What does the Podiatrist need to know?

Details of any medical conditions, any medication you are taking and information about any allergies you have.

What happens at my first appointment?

  • On your arrival, please report to the reception who will advise you where to wait.
  • You will then be assessed by a podiatrist and any treatment will be undertaken.
  • A treatment plan will be discussed and agreed with you. The aim of the treatment plan is to empower people to maintain their own foot health and improve or maintain mobility.  
  • The initial visit may take up to 60 minutes.
  • Where appropriate you may be assessed and discharged at this appointment.

Existing Patients: How to contact us and/ or request a follow up appointment.

Please contact the Therapy Booking Centre for all general enquiries or to arrange an appointment on 01270 278310 (Option 2) between Monday-Thursday 9.30-4.30pm and Friday 9.30-2.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

Contact the Therapy Booking Centre 2 weeks before your required appointment date. If no suitable appointment is available at the time of your request you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when an appointment is available.

 

What do I do if I cannot come to my appointment?

If you are unable to attend for your appointment, you must contact the Therapy Booking Centre as soon as possible to cancel your appointment on 01270 278310 (Option 2) between Monday-Thursday 9.30-4.30pm and Friday 9.30-2.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

If you receive appointment reminders via text, you can cancel your appointment using the link on the text message.  You will need to contact the booking centre if you still require Podiatry treatment.

What happens if I do not attend my appointment?

If you fail to attend without advising us you may be discharged.

How long will my treatment session last?

Patients will have a treatment time of 30-60 minutes. This varies depending on the type of treatment required.

Please arrive on time. If you arrive late, it may not be possible for you to be seen.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

This varies from patient to patient and depends on your condition. Some patients may only need to attend once. If you are not making progress with treatment, further options will be discussed and you may be referred back to your GP or Consultant. Podiatry  aim to empower people to maintain their own foot health and improve or maintain mobility. 

The NHS website has a wide range of self-help guides. It includes an easy-to-use search facility. Below are some useful links from the site, which may be helpful.

Links and useful resources

Contact us

Therapy Booking Centre for appointments and general enquiries: 01270 278310