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.
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.
Key information about this service
If you feel you may be eligible to receive NHS podiatry treatment, you will be required to complete the online podiatry self-referral form.
For further information, or if you have difficulty accessing the form, please contact the podiatry admin team on either 0300 303 8630 or email dhc.
Once we receive your completed form, this will be triaged by a clinician and, if they feel you are eligible for an assessment, you will be contacted and offered an appointment. If we feel you are not eligible, you will be advised of this decision and will be given information of other services available to you.
We have podiatrists working in various locations across Dorset.
You will be offered an appointment in one of our community clinics. We will endeavour to offer you an appointment at a clinic close to where you live. Some of our specialist services are only performed at specific venues so you will have to travel out of your area if you are referred to them.
In exceptional circumstances home visits may be offered. However, these appointments are limited.
What should I do on the day of my appointment?
- please attend your appointment. If you cannot attend, please give us 24-hour notice
- arrive in plenty of time for your appointment; the podiatrist allocates a specific time to see you and if you are late, it is possible that you may not be seen
- wear your everyday shoes to the appointment
- as we will be examining your feet and legs, it is helpful if you wear loose fitting trousers
- please wash your feet, but do not apply cream, talcum powder or nail polish as this may prevent you from being treated
- take a list of medication to your appointment with you
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked some questions about your general health, your foot concerns. The podiatrist will carry out an examination of your feet, discuss your condition and the treatment options open to you. It is likely that you will also receive treatment at this appointment. The appointment will last for approximately 30 minutes, and you are welcome to bring a carer or relative to the appointment with you.
Will I need to attend more than one appointment?
It is possible that you may need to attend more than one appointment; this will depend on your medical and foot condition.
The podiatrist may:
- provide a one-off treatment at your first appointment and give foot care advice on how to manage your condition at home
- request that you attend another appointment to address a specific problem.
- suggest that you attend over a longer period of time in order to regularly monitor your condition
- refer you to another specialist service such as biomechanics or nail surgery.
If you return for more than one appointment you will receive regular assessments in order to monitor your condition. Once your condition has improved you may be discharged from the service with advice on how to continue to look after your feet at home.
Who should I contact to alter or cancel my appointment?
Please contact the podiatry appointments team on 0300 303 8630.
The College of Podiatry
Diabetes UK
Footwear suppliers
Cosy Feet – Extra roomy footwear
Other nail care providers
Prama CARE – Nail cutting service
Telephone: 01202 207308
Age UK – nail cutting service
Telephone: 01202 530530