Foot Health - Tower Hamlets

How to Keep Feet Safe During the Period of Coronavirus.

You may have been unable to be seen by the Podiatrist but have been unable to attend the appointment because you are affected by Coronavirus or in self-isolation. Therefore you, your family, or carers may have been assisting with your care following our advice for simple foot care or dressing application for wounds on your feet.
If you're unable to attend, please give us as much notice as possible by calling/emailing the department. 
However, please present at the Emergency Clinic at Mile End Hospital without delay if you have any of the following:

Blisters and sores, discharging and infected wounds, and inflamed areas such as acute ingrowing toenails. 
You do not need an appointment. The Emergency Clinic operates Monday-Friday 8.30am (except bank holidays) for immediate care.
If you are unable to attend the Emergency Clinic we can offer you advice by telephone or arrange an assessment virtually.  
We appreciate your understanding during this uncertain period when there is a lot of pressure on the NHS. A first or new appointment will be sent out as soon as the Foot Health Service is able. We thank you for bearing with us as we revaluate our caseload and patient care needs routinely.

Please be vigilant - if you have symptoms of a fever and/or cough or have lost your sense of smell and taste please do not attend your clinic appointment. Please be vigilant and contact NHS 111 for advice online on 111.nhs.uk 

We are still keeping social distancing guidelines, therefore our waiting areas may become overwhelmed. Please attend appointments on your own; where you may require a companion, please be advised that they will need to leave the department whilst your treatment is taking place in order to prevent waiting room congestion.

Please be aware when attending for care you have to wear a mask unless you are exempt. 

Due to infection control guidelines, we will appreciate it if you bring your own water; and if you are diabetic, please ensure you have refreshments. 

Emergency Clinic at Mile End Hospital Foot Health Dept.
Monday-Friday 8.30am - prompt (Excluding Bank Holidays) for treating blisters and sores, discharging wounds, and inflamed areas such as ingrowing toenails.

People who have generic foot care needs will be signposted to accredited podiatry services which they will need to pay for.
If you do not meet the above criteria for NHS podiatry services, you can arrange to see a private podiatrist. 
You can find a list of local non-NHS providers here

If you have basic foot care needs because you can't reach your feet or you do not have a carer that can undertake basic foot care, you could opt to visit a nail technician for nail cutting - and a bit of pampering.

* The service is no longer commissioned to provide treatment and advice for anyone with:  

Diabetics and others with painful peripheral neuropathy or burning sensation to feet
Verruca or fungal infection
Rheumatoid disease affecting their feet requiring musculoskeletal assessment or insole therapy
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, digital deformities or bunions
The need an internal or external heel raise for a leg length discrepancy
Psoriatic arthritis issues affecting their nails and skin.