Podiatry team win regional award

An innovative health scheme which encourages patients from Walsall to take responsibility for treating their own minor foot ailments has won regional recognition. The programme was launched by NHS Walsall Health’s Podiatry Team in September 2009.  It encourages patients to manage symptoms including long nails and hard skin on their own by providing them with information and teaching them the right skills. The double benefit is that patients are able to feel less reliant on outside help while health workers within the podiatry team can focus on more serious cases where their expertise will make most difference.

The programme has now won a Black Country Locality Stakeholder Board Award for Innovation in Workforce Development.

David James, Podiatrist for NHS Walsall Community Health, said: “We are really pleased to have been recognised for all our hard work.  Patients were unsure what they could do to care for their feet by themselves and also how their family and carers could safely assist them.  This programme provides structured foot health education which demonstrates safe and effective foot health management and also provides signposting to the relevant healthcare professionals should there be a problem.  It aims to empower patients, providing them with the relevant skills and confidence to manage their foot health independently.  Proactive management ensures patient safety and also makes sure that we are available for timely intervention for more serious foot and lower limb problems.”

For more information or to attend one of the health education sessions please contact the Podiatry service on 0845 113 0607.