Canterbury diabetic foot ulcer prevention service

You can be referred to this service by your GP, practice nurse or specialist diabetes healthcare provider.

To meet the criteria for the service, you must have diabetes and a significant need for foot care from a podiatrist. You must also meet at least one of these conditions:

• you have previously had an amputation
• you have had a foot ulcer before
• you have end stage renal failure
• you have loss of protective sensation
• you have peripheral vascular disease.

This service is available from podiatrists that work from their clinics in the community. Your appointment will be at a clinic that is convenient to you.

The service includes an initial assessment of your feet by a community podiatrist and up to 3 follow-up visits each year.

An appointment will be made for you. You will be able to take a whānau member or someone to support you if you wish.

At the first assessment, the podiatrist will discuss your:

• general health
• diabetic control
• mobility
• footwear
• general foot condition.

You will be able to ask questions and talk about managing your foot health.

If there is time, the podiatrist may provide treatment, such as removing any corns or calluses that could lead to broken, dead skin (ulceration).

If you have an ulcer, they may refer you to the hospital podiatrist for specialist wound care.

The Canterbury diabetic foot ulcer prevention service cannot provide orthotics or shoes. They are also not funded to do standard nail cutting.

Depending on your need, you will receive up to 3 follow-up appointments during the year. You can also pay for more appointments.

If you want to change podiatrist, it is best to contact them first. More paperwork may be needed before you can get a funded appointment with a new podiatrist.