Who can I refer?
- Musculoskeletal conditions of foot and lower limb (for example Mortons Neuroma, Plantar Fascitis, Capsulitis, Achilles Tendinopathy, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Osteoarthritis)
Painful nail conditions - People with foot conditions who have complex conditions that can put the foot at risk of ulceration or amputation.
Non-healing foot wounds. New diabetic foot ulcerations should be referred to the community podiatrist, community podiatrist will liaise with acute diabetes foot clinic and arrange onward referral where appropriate. - A person who has fallen due to a foot/ankle problem
People with diabetes who have a foot condition who are at risk of ulceration.
Diabetes foot risk assessments can be carried out by any trained healthcare worker. For guidance on who to refer please use the Diabetes Foot Risk Stratification Triage Tool
Requests will not be accepted for routine nail cutting, fungal nails (including taking clippings) skin care (including corns and callous) in the absence of one or more of the following medical categories:
- Diabetes (Moderate or high foot risk status)
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Neuropathy
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Neurological disorders (For example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke)
- Undergoing chemotherapy
- Non- traumatic foot/ leg amputation
- Renal Problems (Chronic Kidney Disease stage 4 or 5)
- Steroid Therapy (oral)
- Immuno-suppressed
How do I refer?
The Podiatry Department triage all new patient referrals on a daily basis. Please provide us with as much information as possible and include all relevant medical history and medication. Priority appointments are determined based on the information provided within the referral.
- Care home staff can refer direct and do not require the GP to make the referral. Most care home residents will require a home visit. Please refer to care home guidelines before completing the referral form.
- Mobile residents can attend one of our community clinics, this is via self referral. Patients can self refer for a clinic visit by filling out a Podiatry Request for Assistance Form.
Completed Referral forms can be sent to:
NHS Lothian
Podiatry Service
1st Floor, Slateford Medical Centre
27 Gorgie Park Close
Edinburgh
EH14 1NQ
Or via email to Podiatry.Office@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
A member of the team will contact the nursing home to request more information and will advise about an approximate number of weeks to visit. Some of the referrals might be resolved by a telephone consultation, especially if it’s mainly advice. Some others will require a video consultation (Near Me) or a Face to Face appointment.
The patient may already be on our caseload. In those cases (or if the patient was seen in the last 6 months by our department) a phone call would be enough to let us know of any new problems/complications and a podiatrist of the team would contact to request further information. A new referral won’t be necessary on those cases.
If you have any queries and or wish to speak with a Podiatrist please call 0131 536 1627, option 2. Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 8am to 4pm.
How quickly will we respond?
For response times and further guidance please access the Podiatric Foot Conditions – Referral Guide.
NHS Near Me
Some consultations may take place via NHS Near Me. Please do not access unless you have been advised to by a podiatrist.
For more information on how to use the Podiatry Near Me service please see the Podiatry Service Patient Leaflet
Further information
For information on podiatry services and training please see the following webpages.
Podiatry: Service and Information
Podiatry: Training Material
