NHS Lanarkshire say look after your feet.

Nicola Smith, NHS Lanarkshire service development lead for podiatry, (front right) with members of the podiatry team.

With winter being the busiest time for the health service, it is good to know the quickest way to access the care you need, particularly as GP surgeries are extremely busy with winter colds and Covid cases.

For those who may have foot issues, people can contact the NHS Lanarkshire podiatry hub directly - without the need for a doctor's referral.

Nicola Smith, NHS Lanarkshire service development lead for podiatry, said: “Whether you're experiencing discomfort or have concerns about your feet, our podiatry hub is here for you.

“The podiatry hub is a self-referral service. The team manage podiatry treatment across Lanarkshire, helping individuals to take control of their foot health by allowing them to directly access podiatry services.”

The podiatry hub can arrange treatment for a range of issues from toenails conditions, foot injuries and wounds, to treating and avoiding infections.

People can access the hub by three methods:

· Email - [email protected] – an electronic referral form, available on the NHS Lanarkshire website

· Telephone the hub on 01698 753753, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

· Visit your GP practice to pick up a paper self-referral form and mail it to the hub

Nicola added: “The podiatry hub is designed to simplify and speed up the process for individuals seeking expert foot care services.

“This approach aims to reduce barriers to foot healthcare, enabling timely intervention and prevention of various foot-related conditions, ensuring they are addressed with the highest standard of care.

“Our podiatry section of the NHS Lanarkshire website also offers valuable educational resources to help individuals better understand and care for their feet.”

For diabetics particularly, foot care is an essential part of their daily health regime, and early intervention is paramount. Even the smallest cut can very quickly become a much larger issue if not treated promptly in the early stages and can then take much longer to heal.

For more information about the self-referral podiatry hub, and to access useful information, visit https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/podiatry/