Podiatry

The Solent Podiatry Service is made up of clinical foot experts who aim to drive personalised quality care for patients with complex medical and foot health to optimise quality of life.

We are a dedicated team of around 65 members of staff, which include Podiatrists, Podiatry Assistants and Admin. We work across a large geographical area over Portsmouth, Southampton, West and East Hampshire.

We pride ourselves on being truly patient focused and strive to improve our service for patients. We are great team players and support each other in clinics to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.

We carry out research and audits regularly and create action plans to set goals to improve areas of our service. For example looking into planning emergency slots for urgent patients in QI projects.

We take patient satisfaction questionnaires, incidents and complaints seriously and take the learning from them to develop our service for the better.

Cosham Health Centre update – May 2023

Solent NHS Trust podiatry services based at Cosham Health Centre will be relocating this summer to a new location nearby.

The move is at the request of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS Property Services, with the building to be repurposed in support of a wider strategic plan.

Existing patients with podiatry needs will, from around August, receive care and treatment from Thomas Parr House, situated within the Jubilee House site on Medina Road in Cosham which proudly takes up a place at the heart of the local community.

The Jubilee House site is currently undergoing refurbishment work to welcome service users attending rehabilitation clinics at Queen Alexandra Hospital this autumn.

This means that if you have podiatry appointments in the interim - from the end of May to August, you will be asked to temporarily attend either St Mary’s Community Health Campus in Portsmouth or Oak Park Community Clinic in Havant, whilst the building work is carried out. If this applies to you, your appointment invitation will detail what you need to know.

In terms of travel options to and from Thomas Parr, it is 0.5 miles away from Cosham High Street and accessible in various ways – such as by car or bus. There is onsite parking for patients as well as the 22 Bus from Cosham High Street, with a bus stop opposite the entrance to the Jubilee House site.

If people have patient transport needs, we encourage them to discuss this with their GP in the first instance or through their SCAS/NHS provider if already a patient transport user.

Should you have any points you would like explained or clarified about the move, please call 0300 300 2012 or email snhs.solentnhspodiatry@nhs.net in the first instance.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

See the latest information and guidance on Coronavirus, read our important visitor guidance and access a range of health and wellbeing resources here.

People with long term conditions such as a poor blood supply or diabetes need to take extra care of their feet. If you notice an open wound, any redness or any signs of infection, DO NOT WAIT, seek medical advice from your GP or 111 as soon as possible.

How has COVID-19 affected my appointments?

To help ensure we keep both our staff and the public safe we have temporarily vacated some clinical sites. We have also had to change the way we offer appointments and treatment. These changes are to enable the service to adhere to government guidance and reduce the risk of contracting and spreading of COVID -19.

This does mean that some patients will have to wait longer for a clinical appointment. We may also offer you an appointment via telephone or a video consultation using technologies such as smart phones or computers to discuss your foot problem and assess whether a clinical treatment is required and to advise you on how to safely manage your feet.

Podiatry Virtual appointments

Can I still contact the service?

Yes, please contact on the usual number 0300 300 2012.

If you are worried about your feet and would like advice, or feel that you may need to be seen in clinic please do not hesitate to call us. We will ensure your concern is passed to the relevant clinician for your query to be answered. If required we will arrange to see you at one of our clinical sites, however this may not be your usual clinic, or the clinic nearest to your home.

I am on your waiting list. How do I find out how long I have to wait?

The waiting times for an appointment will vary from person to person as we prioritise appointments to ensure people who are at risk of wounds, infection, and loss of limbs are seen first. We are unable to advise on an exact waiting time for patients currently.

We are still accepting referrals in to the service and all our existing patients and all new referrals for treatment are being reviewed and placed on our waiting lists for an appropriate appointment. You will be contacted by telephone or letter when an appointment becomes available. We are working hard to contact as many patients as possible but If you are concerned that your foot condition is worsening then please contact us.

What to expect when you come and see us

To support social distancing to keep both you and our staff safe we have reduced the amount of seating in our waiting areas. To help us to help you, please do not enter the building more than 5 minutes before your appointment, and attend your appointment alone wherever possible

The podiatry team are wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) this includes masks, apron and gloves and sometimes goggles or visors. They will greet you in the waiting area already wearing their PPE.

Please wear a mask or face covering to you appointment. If you do not have a face covering or mask you may be offered one by the reception team.

Please let us know of any medical reason which prevents you from being able to wear a mask or face covering.

Health Professional?