- Service Manager Lead: Mary O'Hara, Podiatry Team Leads: Anah Letsoalo (High Risk/Diabetes) Andrew Fisk (Nail Surgery) Chris Swarbrick (MSK/Biomechanics)
- Service Contact: Ch-tr-podiatryadmin@nhs.net
- Address: Leander Road Primary Care Centre, 949 London Road, Croydon, CR7 6JE, Croydon, CR7 6JE
- Reception phone number: 020 8274 6820
- Service hours: Mon – Fri 9am to 4pm
About us
Podiatrists are Allied Health Professionals who assess, diagnose, treat and aim to prevent abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
Many people may need to see a podiatrist for help with regular foot-care for calluses, corns and nail problems (Core Podiatry); but not everyone can be eligible for this via NHS treatment.
In order to access foot-care (core podiatry) via Croydon NHS you will need to meet our current eligibility criteria, which is based on medical need and detailed on the referral form.
If you are not eligible for NHS Core Podiatry, details of independent / private practitioners can be found via the Royal College of Podiatry website: https://rcpod.org.uk/find-a-podiatrist#FIND.PODIATRIST
where details on foot conditions or self-help can be found: https://rcpod.org.uk/common-foot-problems
Podiatry is available at: Leander Road, Croydon University Hospital Outpatients, Sanderstead Clinic, Shirley Clinic, Purley War Memorial Hospital, Waddon Clinic, Woodside Health Centre, Parkway Health Centre.
Appointments Monday to Friday. 8.30am to 4.30pm
What Podiatry Services are available locally on the NHS?
Core Podiatry, High-Risk / wound-care, Nail Surgery, MSK/Biomechanics
Core Podiatry / Routine Care – (foot-care) help with painful corns, calluses and pathological nail conditions in the presence of relevant medical conditions.
*We do not treat verrucae, fungal nails or provide simple nail care / social care*
Available at: Leander Road, Croydon University Hospital Outpatients, Sanderstead Clinic, Shirley Clinic, Purley War Memorial Hospital, Waddon Clinic, Parkway Health Centre
High-Risk / Wound-care (foot ulcer) clinics. The high risk service is for people who have health problems that put the foot at risk. The team is integrated with nursing, hospital teams and GP practices.
Care is delivered as a team approach with the patient included in the care plans.
If you have an ulcer on your feet that means you have ‘Active Foot Disease’ and you will be referred urgently to the high-risk podiatry wound care team.
Other conditions which fall under ‘Active Foot Disease’ are:
- Suspected Charcot
- Infection
- Critical/Acute Limb Ischaemia
Please note that having diabetes does not necessarily make you high-risk.
Available at: CUH Outpatients and Wards, Leander Road, Purley War Memorial Hospital & Patient homes.
Nail Surgery is a minor-operation, which aims to provide a permanent solution to painful in-growing or thickened nails, under Local Anaesthesia with chemical cauterisation using phenol.
This is a stand-alone treatment removing all or part of the nail, preventing regrowth.
It is NOT regular nail cutting for involuted nail, or treatment for fungal toe nail infections.
Available at: Leander Road only.
MSK/Biomechanics is the scientific study of the movement and forces acting on the living body. Using an understanding of biomechanics (movement) and musculoskeletal medicine to assess and treat pain and pathologies in the lower limb and foot.
MSK Podiatry can help with a number of muscular, inflammatory and orthopaedic problems such as:
• Flat feet (painful)
• Foot pain (Heel, Midfoot, Forefoot)
• Growing conditions during Childhood
• High arched feet (painful)
• Joint pain / instability (Hip, Knee, Ankle)
• Tendinopathy
Our aim is to resolve or reduce the impact by helping you to understand and manage your ankle or foot condition. Treatment may include provision of customised foot orthoses, exercise(s) and rehabilitation advice.
We do not provide footwear, ankle foot orthoses (AFO) or splints, padding or spacers for bunions
Available at: Leander Road only
What Podiatry Services are not available locally on the NHS?
— Basic foot care such as toenail care
— Core Podiatry / Routine treatment of corns and calluses in the absence of significant medical risk &/or wound symptoms
— Core Podiatry for people receiving in-patient care at Bethlem & Maudsley Hospital - contact your SLAM referrer for information on their podiatry services.
— Routine monitoring and annual foot checks for people whose feet are at risk due to diabetes
— Verrucae treatment
How to refer: You can self-refer, or on behalf of family member.
Referrals made by GP, consultant or other health professional still need to meet our eligibility criteria.
Upon receiving this referral form, if you are eligible for assessment you will be:
1. Offered an appointment for assessment, with ongoing follow-up treatment for your foot problem.
2. Offered an appointment for assessment, with a short course of treatment for your foot problem and discharged.
3. Offered an appointment for assessment, and discharged with foot health advice if your needs are
below NHS eligibility levels.
We aim to inform people who are not eligible within 2-4wks – details of self-care, independent podiatrists can be found following the links above.
To help us process referrals we no longer accept older versions of this form.
Updated June 2024
How to refer
You can self-refer, or on behalf of family member. R eferrals made by GP, consultant or other health professional still need to meet our eligibility criteria.
Upon receiving this referral form, if you are eligible for assessment you will be:
- Offered an appointment for assessment, with ongoing follow-up treatment for your foot problem.
- Offered an appointment for assessment, with a short course of treatment for your foot problem and discharged.
- Offered an appointment for assessment, and discharged with foot health advice if your needs are below NHS eligibility levels.
We aim to inform people who are not eligible within 2-4wks – details of self-care, independent podiatrists can be found following the links above.
To help us process referrals we no longer accept older versions of this form.
Updated June 2024