The College of Podiatry proposes solution to foot surgery waiting lists

12 May 2021

The College of Podiatry (CoP) has today published a position statement that presents a cost-effective solution for reducing elective foot surgery waits.

The NHS requires a transformative approach to the long elective surgical lists. The position statement calls for a bold and transformative response to address the current long elective foot surgery waits in England and it is to be used by health service commissioners in their transformation plans.

The key findings of the position statement demonstrate that:

• Podiatric Surgery is an essential service which keeps the ageing population mobile and active and addresses current physical and mental health priorities
• Non-medical independent prescribing enables improved continuity of care, facilitates quicker consultations and access to services and medicines for patients which reduce admissions

Podiatric Surgeons are integrated with multidisciplinary diabetic foot services and apply their biomechanical knowledge and surgical skills to reduce amputations.  

Dean of the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery at the College of Podiatry, Suzanne Taylor, said:

‘Podiatric surgery has been operational within the NHS for 40 years and is ideally placed to assist with the current foot surgery waits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathways that we propose can be streamlined to provide treatment to those most in need of intervention to remain active and mobile as we enter the endemic period of the fight against COVID-19.’  

You can read the full position statement here.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the College of Podiatry

The College of Podiatry is the professional association and trade union for registered podiatrists in the United Kingdom. For more information about what we do, visit: cop.org.uk

About the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery

The Faculty of Podiatric Surgery, a clinical committee of the College of Podiatry, organises learning in surgery and medicine across the UK for podiatric surgeons and trainees. Podiatric surgery is the surgical management of the bones, joints and soft tissues of the foot and associated structures. A Podiatric Surgeon is a highly skilled clinician who in addition to a first degree in Podiatric Medicine continues to study at Masters degree level in Podiatric Surgery.

Podiatric surgeons work with vascular consultants, diabetologists, orthopaedic surgeons, interventional radiologists and other members of multidisciplinary teams to ensure each patient receives the highest quality care and the best clinical outcomes.

Contact: For all media enquiries call: 02072348637or email press@cop.org.uk