General Questions
How do I change/cancel my appointment?
You can call the contact centre on 0131 536 1627.
The contact centre is opening hours are:
Monday-Thursday 8.45am-noon and 1pm-4pm
Friday: 8.45am-noon and 1pm-3pm
Please note local clinics are unable to change or cancel your appointment.
What are the core hours that the clinic is open?
The majority of clinics have a first routine appointment time of 8.50am and a last routine appointment time of 3.40pm.
On a Friday, the last routine appointment time is 2.40pm.
Why have I been discharged?
Following an assessment of your foot condition you have been discharged from the NHS Lothian Podiatry service for the following reasons:
- Basic foot care and nail cutting is not provided by the Podiatry Department even where the patient cannot manage themselves. Only patients who have a serious medical or clinical need will be seen on an ongoing basis.
- You are at low risk of developing foot complications or have no current foot problems.
- The outcome of your podiatry assessment shows that you do not require further treatment.
- The problem that first brought you to the podiatry department has been resolved and no further specialist treatment is required.
- The treatment plan that was decided on has been completed. While the problem may not have been resolved, further treatment at this time is not appropriate.
- You have not made the required changes we have discussed to resolve your problem and further treatment at this time is not appropriate.
If, after discharge, you find that your foot condition worsens or your circumstances change, you can self refer back to the service by filling in a podiatry referral form which is available on the internet or from any NHS Lothian Podiatry clinic.
How do I send in a photo to the podiatry service?
Instructions on how to send the service a photo of your foot or problem area can be found in the Patient Guide for Taking Pictures document.
(Please only send in a picture if your podiatrist has requested it)
Referral Questions
Can I email my completed self-referral to you?
Yes you’re self referral can be emailed into us at Podiatry.NPReferrals@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk – We will be unable to respond to your email from this inbox. If you have any enquiries related to your referral please call us on 0131 536 1627.
Why do I need to self refer again?
(After discharge or over 12 months since attended clinic)
A new referral is required so the podiatry team can establish if you need a podiatry appointment. Therefore, it is important to fill out the referral form completely including medical history, current medication and reason for your referral.
Appointment questions
What will happen at my first appointment?
- Podiatrist will introduce themselves and confirm personal details such as name, address, date of birth and medical history
- You will be given the opportunity to explain why you have requested assistance from the podiatry department
- You and the podiatrist will then work together to create a plan that will help you manage your problem
How long will my appointment last?
The average community clinic appointment time is 30 minutes.
The average nail surgery appointment is 60 minutes.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Up to date list of current medication
- If you play sport it can be helpful to bring in your shoes that you wear for sport.
Do I need an appointment or is there a walk in service?
There is no walk in service available.
If you require an appointment and have not been to us before, or have been discharged, you will need to fill out a request for assistance form.
If you have attended within a year and have not been discharged, you can call the contact centre to arrange an appointment on 0131 536 1627.
Why do I need an appointment to collect my insoles?
We need to ensure that the device fits correctly.
The insoles will be tried in standing and with you walking to check they are comfortable. The fitting appointment also allows the podiatrist time to ensure you know how to wear the devices correctly, and gives you opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Can I have a home visit?
If you are housebound, you may be treated at home.
This means that you are unable to leave your home on any regular basis, without the assistance of Healthcare or Social Care personnel using an ambulance or patient transport vehicle. If you are able to leave your home on a regular basis to visit the doctor, hairdresser or shops, either alone or with the assistance of a friend or relative, we will expect you to visit your local clinic.
A GP referral is required for home visits.
Nail Surgery Questions
Can I have nail surgery on my first clinic appointment?
The initial clinic appointment is for assessment and discussion of treatment options only. An assessment is important to ensure there are no medical reasons why nail surgery cannot be carried out. The podiatrist will also discuss the procedure and its implications. Verbal and written advice will be given to you to ensure you understand what is involved. If you and the podiatrist agree nail surgery is the best option, you will be referred to the nail surgery team.
What type of shoes should I wear after surgery?
Following the procedure a bulky dressing will be applied; therefore bring open-toe sandals to wear home. It is essential that footwear with plenty of room for your toes is worn during the healing process. This is because pressure from tight footwear can delay the healing process.
When can I return to work/school after surgery?
If you feel able, you can return to school/ work the following day. Please note you are required to attend a dressing appointment one to two days after nail surgery.
When can I return to sport?
Avoid running, strenuous exercise and swimming during the healing process.
Can I drive after surgery?
DVLA state driving is prohibited until full sensation returns. It is recommended that you do not drive for the remainder of the day following your nail surgery procedure. Please check with your own vehicle insurance policy/company as this might differ from DVLA advice.
What can I do if I run out of nail surgery dressings?
At your dressing appointment the day following nail surgery, you will receive dressings to use throughout the healing process. If you run out you can buy more from your local pharmacy.
What clinics provide nail surgery?
We currently offer nail surgery at St Johns Hospital, Allermuir Health Centre and Bonnyrigg Health Centre.
How long will my toe take to heal?
Healing times vary from person to person. If you have had a complete nail removed, it will usually take around 8 weeks. If only part of your nail has been removed it will take around 6 weeks to heal.
Follow all written and verbal advice given to you from your podiatrist to reduce the chances of postoperative infections and encourage healing.
If you have any concerns during the healing process please do not hesitate to contact the department.
