Podiatry

When are we open?

Monday to Thursday from 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. and 8.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. on Friday

What is podiatry?

The Department provides an appropriate high quality, fully comprehensive foot health service for conditions affecting the lower limb. We assess, treat and advise patients with foot health disorders in order to maintain and maximise their quality of life and so encouraging a healthy active life with feet that function normally and without discomfort

Who should be seen

Our Service is available, regardless of age, for those with a podiatric/medical need. All new patients must attend an assessment appointment at one of the clinics listed below.

Patients who are housebound may be treated at home. This means that the patient is unable to leave their home on any regular basis, without the assistance of Healthcare or Social Care personnel using an ambulance or patient transport vehicle. If the patient is able to leave their home on a regular basis to visit the doctor, hairdresser or shops, either alone or with the assistance of a friend or relative, we will expect them to visit their local clinic. This service is not available for individual preference.

NHS Lothian Podiatry Department - Prospective Patients Application Form

Who can refer

Patients can self refer for a clinic visit by filling out an application form. GPs or other health care professionals can also make referrals if they wish.

Domiciliary patients must be referred by the GP or District Nurse

What happens at the first appointments

A full podiatric assessment will be undertaken. A treatment plan will be negotiated with the patient. The outcome of this could be:

  • Ongoing general footcare programme (at a local clinic if more suitable for the patient)
  • Referral to a speciality - see Speciality Services below.
  • Short course of treatment for acute problems
  • Discharge with advice

Speciality Services

Biomechanics

This clinic assesses the lower limb and foot. If appropriate, an orthotic device can be prescribed to correct or limit abnormal foot function. It is not generally appropriate where arthritic changes have taken place.

Nail surgery

In some cases, painful nails can be partially or completely removed under local analgesia. The nail bed is destroyed using phenol.

Verrucae clinics

This is a term-time service (Sept- March) only available at Inchkeith House with student podiatrists working under supervision..

Diabetic clinics

Diabetic patients who attend our clinics receive a neurological and vascular assessment annually in line with both SIGN and NHS Lothian Guidelines. Higher risk patients may be seen more often. Low risk patients should not be referred to the service (unless there is podiatric need) but seen within the practice.

Appliance laboratory

Springwell House has a fully equipped laboratory for the manufacture of prescription insoles and orthoses. Simple footwear modifications are also undertaken.

Contact points for information

East Lothian Assessment Centres

Cockenzie HC, Avenue Rd

01875 818 584

Mon and Wed

Dunbar MC, Queen’s Rd

01368 861 419

Mon and Thurs

Gracefield Clinic, Musselburgh

0131 665 4030

Daily

Newtonport Clinic, Haddington

01620 826 719

Tues and Thurs;

North Berwick HC, St Baldred's Rd

01620 897 010

Tues, Wed and Fri

Prestonpans HC, Preston Rd

01875 818 076

Wed, Thurs and Fri

Tranent HC, Loch Rd

01875 618 953

Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri

Other East Lothian Clinics are open one day per week or less

Who can I contact to find out more?

Podiatry Dept
Springwell House
26 Ardmillan Terrace
Edinburgh
EH11 2JL
Tel: 0131 537 7470
Fax: 0131 537 7471

Last Reviewed: 01/06/2011
Due to be Reviewed: 01/06/2012