Podiatry

The Podiatry Department is involved in most areas of the hospital—Acute and Subacute wards, in Jacaranda and Logan Lodge. We also see patients in the Allied Health Outpatients Clinic. People of all ages, from young infants to the elderly, with a wide variety of ailments, can benefit from Podiatry.

Primary focus of SHDH Podiatry

Part or complete lower limb loss is often avoidable. Podiatry aims to identify and prevent risks related to the development of foot wounds.

High risk feet

• Feet can be at a higher risk of wounds or amputations in the presence of:
• Poor circulation
• Loss of protective sensation (feeling)
• Foot deformities or pressure areas
• A history of wounds or amputations
• Kidney disease

Wound clinic

• Runs regularly, and provides care to people who have chronic foot or leg wounds.

Tissue Viability clinic

• Runs every Wednesday morning with District Nursing Services, to care for joint clients.

Mixed Clinic

• For a variety of foot conditions, such as:
• Management of nail conditions such as ingrown toenails, including surgery
• Management of pressure lesions such as corns and calluses
• If you have diabetes, for a foot check every year
• When foot pain interferes with everyday life—for assessment, treatment and advice
• Availability depends on staffing and demand.

Paediatrics Clinic

• Runs monthly
• For a variety of conditions related to children’s feet and legs

How it works

When you first contact the Podiatry Department for an appointment you will be asked to fill out a form with information about your general health and your foot problems. Using this information, the Podiatrist will assign a priority, which is based on government priority tools.  It is important that you give as much information as possible to enable us to assign a correct category.

Reception staff will notify you when an appointment becomes available.

After the initial consultation the Podiatrist will advise you if we can provide you with ongoing care. We do not cut nails of people with healthy feet.