Podiatrists

Podiatrists are experts in lower limb health and disease, and have the requisite knowledge, skills and training to work as First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) in primary care. Having podiatrists as FCPs would ensure people got the right advice at the right time, and would significantly reduce GP workload.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Full details available in the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service Contract specification.

In summary:

  • work as part of a PCN's multi-disciplinary team to clinically assess, treat, and manage a caseload of patients of all ages with lower limb conditions and foot pathologies, usi
  • Utilise and provide guidance to patients on equipment.
  • Prescribe, produce, and fit orthotics and other aids and appliances;
  • Provide specialist treatment and support for high-risk patient groups.
  • Support patients through the use of therapeutic and surgical techniques to treat foot and lower leg issues.
  • Deliver foot health education to patients;
  • Implement all aspects of effective clinical governance for their own practice,
  • Liaise with PCN multi-disciplinary team, community and secondary care staff, and named clinicians to arrange further investigations and onward referrals;
  • Communicate outcomes and integrate findings into their own and wider service practice and pathway development;
  • Develop, implement and evaluate a seamless podiatry support service across the PCN, working with community and secondary care where appropriate, and aimed at continuously improving standards of patient care and wider multi-disciplinary team working

Training and Education

If you are interested in becoming an educator please see more information the Multi-professional Supervisor Course page.

Education and Training Requirements

  • Has a BSc or pre-reg MSc in Podiatry under a training programme approved by the College of Podiatry;
  • Is a registered member of the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
  • Is able to operate at an advanced level of practice
  • Has access to appropriate clinical supervision and an appropriate named individual in the PCN to provide general advice and support on a day to day basis, in order to deliver the key responsibilities
  • Podiatrists working as a FCP are required to completed the FCP Roadmap to Practice for Podiatrists

Additional Resources