Covid- Frequently asked questions

1) Can Podiatrists/ chiropodist treat patients currently?

Yes. All Podiatrists are Health and Care Professions Council registrants and they, alongside their support staff, are able to work. Many Podiatrists have been working either within the NHS during the pandemic to support vital services or keeping their private practices open for those patients who are most in need. They are considered a keyworker as they are a key part of the healthcare workforce.

2) Can Podiatrists/ chiropodists do home visits currently?

Yes. Podiatrists/ chiropodists are allowed to do home visits if they wish. They can still leave the waste from their treatment in your bin (it may assist if you could provide a carrier bag for it to go in (do not touch the waste for 72hrs). They may ask if they can use your handwashing facilities. It would be helpful if you could provide them with kitchen roll or similar to dry their hand on.

3) Do Podiatrists/ chiropodists have to wear Personal Protective Equipment?

Yes. You will notice that your Podiatrists/ chiropodists will be wearing an apron, gloves, facemask and sometimes eye protection such as a visor. They have to follow strict PPE guidelines to make sure you and they are safe during your treatment.

4) My Podiatrists/ chiropodists has asked me to wear a facemask or face covering - why?

The government is advising people to wear masks or face coverings in certain situations. Your podiatrist may deem it necessary for you to wear a mask or face covering during their visit. This is so any accidental coughs or sneezes are caught and helps to protect the staff and other patients from potential transmission from asymptomatic patients.

5)What measures are Podiatrists/ chiropodists doing to keep patients and themselves safe during this time?

Patient and staff safety continues to be a crucial consideration to your podiatrist. Every practice is set up differently so not all practices will be doing the same things but you may see your podiatrist:

• Additional handwashing or alcohol hand gel stations being offered to patients

• Additional PPE being worn

• Additional disinfecting between patients

• Phoning patients before appointments to check for symptoms

• Using more contactless payments

• self testing two times weekly or if vising a care home on the day testing.

6) I am shielding can a podiatrist visit me?

Yes. You can still receive healthcare if you are shielding. Ideally this should be at home, so you don’t have to travel

Foot treatment from your local podiatry chiropody service in Stoke on Trent

Covid- Frequently asked questions