FAQs
Do you have any questions?
Please read questions below and if you can not find your answer, please send us your question, we will answer you as soon as possible.
What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?
Chiropody is the traditional name for the footcare profession. Chiropodists are now referred to as Podiatrists as this is the global term for foot care specialists. Both titles are protected by the Health & Care Professions Council.
Can anybody have their feet treated?
Yes. Anybody who is concerned about the health of their feet or who requires some professional assistance dealing with a complaint. Many patients will have a treatment to ensure that their feet are healthy. Podiatry is particularly beneficial to those with health problems such as Diabetes.
What do I need to bring with me for my first appointment?
Podiatry is a medical treatment and as such we need to keep a record of what happens during your sessions with us. To do this accurately and to comply with UK law we need to take certain details such as your name, address and date of birth. There is also a medical questionnaire as many things can affect your feet. We do not ask these questions to be nosy but to give you the most accurate diagnosis and treatment possible. Even a kiwi fruit allergy is relevant to your treatment! If you are unable to remember your medications it would be helpful if you could bring a list or a copy of your repeat prescription to your appointment with you. All our podiatrists are police checked and your details are stored for medical purposes only. They are not shared with other people and are not sold on for marketing purposes.
Will it hurt when I have my feet treated?
No. The majority of treatments are non-invasive and pain-free for most people. We do use instruments such as scalpels to remove hard skin however the vast majority of patients are fine throughout treatment. If you do have any concerns please speak to a member of staff.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on a variety of factors. Some conditions require only one treatment whereas others can need several. After your initial consultation a treatment plan will be discussed with you to give you a clear idea of the number of treatments you may require and the cost.
How long will it be before I need my feet treated again?
The length of time between treatments varies between individuals and the type of foot problems you have. The average time between treatments is 3 to 6 months. Most patients return when they start feeling discomfort. Patients who require a nail cutting service will normally require treatment every 6-8 weeks, this varies from person to person.
Do you offer Home Visits?
Yes. We do currently offer home visits.
I wish to make an appointment for someone with Dementia, Alzheimerâs, Autism or Learning Difficulties, how do I do this?
Please let us know when booking the appointment if you are making it for someone with certain requirements. We aim to adapt to an individualâs needs as much as possible. If the patient has autism the treating podiatrist will be happy to discuss their individual requirements prior to the appointment to ensure the treatment is as stress free as possible.
We are able to post or email the new patient forms to a family member or carer in advance of the appointment if this is easier for you. If the patient does not have their own right of consent then a carer or family member should be present during the treatment. We are also able to accept payment over the phone if the patient is not able to handle money effectively. Receipts are provided upon request.
We are happy to offer call reminders to patients, family members or carers as required at any specified time interval. We do not charge for missed appointments for patients with these conditions. If the patient is attending from a care facility, and the patient consents, we are happy to fill out the facility medical log with details of treatment provided and advice given. Please let us know if this is wished. Staff photos can be provided for photo boards/communication boards for patient use. Our aim is to make the treatments as easy as possible for our patients.
Iâm looking for a State Registered Chiropodist, are you one?
State Registration (the annotation SRCh) was officially removed as a standard in 2005. The new standard is known as Health and Care Professions Council registered. This does not come with any extra letters after a Podiatrists name. HCPC registration is the legal requirement for all practicing Chiropodists/Podiatrists in the UK.
Iâm not happy with the treatment I received, what do I do?
We operate a âno niggleâ policy at the clinics so if you feel that something isnât right after your treatment then please let us know as soon as possible so that we can fix it. The vast majority of patients will not have a problem after treatment however everyoneâs feet are different and the last thing we want is for you to be uncomfortable. If you have any other issues please contact the clinic by phone or in writing and we will be happy to address any concerns that you may have.