The Podiatry service review is progressing well and is being led by HOPE Commissioning Group.

The review was initiated when North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus (NELCTP) was made aware by members of the older people community group, Eng-age, that there were significant issues with delays and access to Podiatry Services.

Objectives of Review:

The main objective of the review is to look at the current services with a view to developing a Podiatry and Footcare Service that meets the long term needs of people in North East Lincolnshire.

Progress of review:

Six full stakeholder meetings have been held, as well as a number of sub group meetings; the stakeholder group is made up of user and community groups representing the local population, clinicians and commissioners.  The review includes the development of both the Podiatry and Footcare Service.

Progress to date

Podiatry service:                                                                                       

The CTP bought additional appointments in the podiatry service to resolve the delays in waiting times. This has resulted in a significant reduction in waiting times and more accessible clinics and has provided the Service Review group time to look at recommendations which will avoid the performance returning to the unacceptable levels previously experienced.

The Podiatry service review group is currently looking at the possibility of transferring the more minor podiatric conditions into the community in order to offer a high quality, cost effective and more convenient service closer to service users’ homes. An informal audit is being carried out to determine what Podiatry services are currently available within the community including minor operations such as toenail excision.

Footcare Service:

The trial Footcare Service began registering clients on Thursday 3^rd September at West Marsh Community Centre and Friday 4^th September at Foresight, Newmarket Street, Grimsby. Toenail cutting services commenced on 15^th & 16^th October at the respective sites. Sessions are currently running fortnightly, although the service is prepared to increase this to weekly sessions dependent upon public demand.

Anyone wishing to register for the service is advised to contact their preferred location for further information and to book an appointment.

Should you require any further information about the Podiatry Service Review please contact the Administrator in the first instance: Hayley Tiplady, Hayley.Tiplady@nelctp.nhs.uk 01472 720184.