The RCPod publishes its report on the state of independent practice in podiatry
Independent practitioners provide specialist care and could ease NHS pressure, but barriers to NHS collaboration, business support and public awareness remain
The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) has today published a wide-ranging report showing the state of the independent podiatry sector, concluding that independent podiatry services play a vital yet undervalued role in UK healthcare.
In 2022, the College commissioned an in-depth look at the way in which the private podiatry sector operates. The report found that:
- Greater collaboration between the NHS and independent practice is needed — 61% report referral barriers, with many forced to go through GPs, delaying urgent care
- Independent services are often undervalued despite 74% of private podiatry practices meeting high public demand for routine footcare
- Business training is lacking, leaving many sole traders without support or management skills — Many seek additional training post-registration to fill this gap
- Independent practice offers job satisfaction but also risks burnout and isolation — 57% report feeling overwhelmed due to high patient demand
- The independent sector offers a broad range of specialist and advanced care, including MSK, dermatology, nail surgery, injection therapy and acupuncture
- Recruitment remains a major challenge, reflecting workforce shortages across the NHS
- Public awareness of podiatrists’ expertise is low. Greater recognition could ease pressure of GPs through appropriate signposting
- Outdated registration processes prevent allied health professionals from accessing insurance company contracts.
Responding to the report’s findings, the RCPod has outlined three key areas to focus on as part of its 2025-2030 strategy to support independent practice.
- Achieve better public awareness — the RCPod will make sure that its upcoming public awareness campaign includes messaging for patients so that they understand the expertise of podiatrists and how to access private practice care when it’s appropriate, reducing unnecessary GP visits
- Increasing business support for independent practitioners – the RCPod will develop additional resources and training to equip independent practitioners with essential business management skills, reaffirming its commitment to supporting its members in independent practice
- Improving NHS collaboration and referral pathways – the RCPod will work with healthcare leaders in all four nations to campaign for clearer, more effective referral processes between independent practitioners and NHS services to ensure timely and more efficient patient care.
The Report published today is the most detailed report into independent podiatry practice since 2009, with round 1,200 practitioners taking part.
The RCPod and its Independent Practice Group (IPG) then analysed the data, before producing a set of findings that highlights best practice, challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Jane McAdam, Chair of the RCPod Council, said:
“With the provision of private healthcare increasing in the UK, the RCPod has published this vital state of the nation report highlighting the significant impact that independent practitioners have on the podiatric workforce.
“Council represents the whole membership – I look forward to using this report to improve the collaboration between all of our members, improve business support and campaign for a greater understanding of the ways in which greater working relationships between independent practice and the NHS can produce better patient outcomes and reduce the strain on general practice.”
Tom Kelly and Roisin Connell, Co-chairs of the RCPod’s Independent Practice Group, said:
“Positive patient outcomes are what all podiatrists want to see — that’s why we do what we do. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the NHS are still being felt, and independent healthcare is being used by an increasing number of the population. “The report published today tells us firmly that good working relationships between the NHS and the independent sector is essential if we are to achieve the very best patient care, especially in urgent care situations. The IPG will continue to work with all podiatrists to help build these relationships to ensure that our ability to save limbs and save lives is at the forefront.”