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Lack of podiatry services

Posted By tangofd95

"Lack of podiatry services"

About: Wyndham Hospital / Allied Health

(as a service user),

I would like to raise concerns about the lack of podiatry services available in the East Kimberley, particularly in Wyndham.

People living in remote areas already face many barriers to accessing healthcare. Basic podiatry care is extremely important, especially for people with diabetes, circulation problems, or mobility issues.

Currently there appears to be very limited access to podiatry locally in Wyndham. I understand that residents are often required to travel to Kununurra or further for care, which I know can be difficult or impossible for elderly people, those without transport, or people on limited incomes.

I understand that without regular preventative foot care, small problems can quickly become serious infections or wounds. In remote communities where diabetes rates are higher, this can lead to preventable complications and hospital admissions.

I believe that people living in remote towns like Wyndham deserve reasonable access to essential allied health services. I hope health services will review the availability of podiatry in the East Kimberley and consider regular outreach clinics or other solutions so residents are not left without this important care.

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Responses

Response from Sam Stone, A/Allied Health Manager, Kimberley Population Health Unit, WA Country Health Service 3 days ago
Sam Stone
A/Allied Health Manager, Kimberley Population Health Unit,
WA Country Health Service

Submitted on 19/03/2026 at 4:56 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 20/03/2026 at 10:14 AM

Dear tangofd95

Thank you for taking the time to raise your concerns regarding access to podiatry services in Wyndham and the broader East Kimberley region. I appreciate you outlining the challenges faced by residents, particularly those living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, mobility limitations, and restricted access to transport.

You are absolutely correct in highlighting the importance of regular podiatry care. Preventative foot care plays a critical role in reducing complications, especially in communities where chronic disease prevalence is higher. Limited access to these services can place individuals at increased risk of avoidable infections, hospitalisations, and reduced quality of life.

We acknowledge that access to allied health services, including podiatry, in remote areas such as Wyndham remains a significant challenge. Workforce availability, geographical distance, and service demand all contribute to the current limitations you have described. However, your feedback reinforces the importance of continuing to address these gaps.

Our service is actively exploring opportunities to improve access to podiatry care across the East Kimberley. This includes reviewing the feasibility of increasing outreach clinics to Wyndham, strengthening collaboration with regional providers, and considering alternative models of care such as visiting services and telehealth support where appropriate.

In the interim, we encourage residents requiring urgent or ongoing podiatry care to liaise with local health services, who can assist with care coordination and referrals to available providers in Kununurra or other regional centres.

Thank you again for bringing this matter to our attention. Community feedback is vital in helping us advocate for, and plan services that better meet the needs of our population. Please be assured that your concerns have been noted and will be included in ongoing service planning discussions.

If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact our office.

Kind regards,

Sam Stone

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