Community

What is Podiatry?

The Podiatry service provides a 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 encourage a healthy active life with feet that function normally and without discomfort.

When is the Service Open ?

Monday to Thursday 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Friday 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Who Should be Seen?

The 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.

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.

Home visit patients must be referred by the GP or District Nurse.

What happens at the first appointment?

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, a supportive insole can be prescribed to correct or limit abnormal foot function. This service 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 an annual foot assessment in line with 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 their GP practice.

Appliance laboratory

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

Contact points for information

Edinburgh Assessment Centres

Other main Edinburgh clinics (those open less than 1 day per week are not listed)

How to Contact Us

For enquiries about the service, please contact us at:

Podiatry Dept
Springwell House
26 Ardmillan Terrace
Edinburgh
EH11 2JL

Tel No: 0131 537 7470
Fax No: 0131 537 7471