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"Foot care"

About: Derby Hospital

(as a service user),

Earlier this year, I developed a condition where my feet became so painful I had to stop all exercising, including walking. The specialist recommended that I see a Podiatrist and that one visits from Broome often.

I found out a week or so later that this Podiatrist is only available for a visit if you have diabetes. Is this true? And if so, why? I believe foot care is very important for everyone.

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Responses

Response from Emma Croager, COVID Vaccination Lead, WACHS-Kimberley, Kimberley Population Health Unit, WA Country Health Service-Kimberley 3 years ago
Emma Croager
COVID Vaccination Lead, WACHS-Kimberley, Kimberley Population Health Unit,
WA Country Health Service-Kimberley

Manages population health matters

Submitted on 15/09/2020 at 4:40 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 16/09/2020 at 8:56 AM


Dear Be Alarmed,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I am very sorry to hear of your current condition and in particular that you feel concerned about ongoing care and recovery options available to you.

Upon reading your feedback, we have contacted the Podiatry team at Boab Health who conduct regular visits to Derby Hospital and sought clarity on their services, referral and eligibility criteria. Boab Health Podiatrists provide high-risk foot services to patients with major foot complications who are at medium or high risk of lower limb loss, usually as a result of a chronic health condition. I am unfamiliar with the particulars of your condition, however, I visited the Boab Health website to find more information on what is considered a ‘high-risk foot’. A high-risk foot is defined as a foot with progressive deformity, ulcerations, infection and/or amputation as a result of a person’s underlying medical condition, most commonly diabetes.

At this stage, Boab Health does not provide podiatry services for biomechanical assessment or treatment (I.e. flat feet, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis), foot pain (unless related to sores, wounds or ulcers), corns and callouses and nail care. In the future, they aim to provide additional Medicare-funded services for a fee.

WACHS Physiotherapy is able to provide a basic biomechanical assessment in Derby and can be contacted on 9193 3340 for more information. Alternatively, you can contact Kimberley Podiatry (0402 215 391 or info@kimberleypodiatry.com.au) who also provide podiatry services in the Kimberley region. A list of available services can be found on their website.

Once again, my apologies for your patient experience and thank you for sharing your feedback with us. I wish you all the best for your recovery.

Kind Regards,

Emma Croager
Population Health Director, WACHS Kimberley

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