New podiatry service in Kerry

The HSE is pleased to announce the commencement of a podiatry service in Co Kerry. In conjunction with the Diabetic Association of Ireland, the HSE has appointed two senior podiatrists this summer, marking the first phase of the new service.

Welcoming the new service, Eithne McAuliffe, Primary Care & Specialist Services Manager for the HSE in Kerry said “This is a very positive day for the people of Kerry and we are delighted to be in a position to introduce podiatry services to the county, a need which has been identified for Kerry as part of the HSE Diabetic Foot Care Integrated Programme. This new service is a welcome additional support to the existing health service providers in delivering the most appropriate care for clients in Kerry with foot related conditions”.

The podiatry service will provide a combination of education, screening, evaluation and intervention, with the ultimate aim to prevent, reduce or delay the progression of foot related complications associated with some chronic diseases. The new podiatristsassess and treat all moderate to high risk clients with foot problems related to diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, ulceration, structural foot deformities and physical disability. Low risk clients will continue to be managed by public health nurses, GPs and practice nurses while some very high risk clients maybe referred to the podiatry team in Cork University Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.

Podiatry input is recognised as an essential element in the multidisciplinary approach required to maintain the health of people with diabetes. The podiatrists will also further enhance the existing diabetic service in Kerry, which has been developed in recent years with the provision of three dedicated consultant led diabetic clinics held monthly at Kerry General Hospital and 28 specialist diabetic nurse-led outpatient clinics monthly held in communities throughout the county. 

Ms McAuliffe continued “since our two new podiatrists have commenced duty in July, they have been working closely with the multidisciplinary team across both the hospital & community setting providing education and training sessions for hospital staff, GPs, practice nurses and Primary Care Team members. This training ensures that the ‘at risk’ patients are identified early, referred to the podiatrist in a timely manner and thereby reduce/delay or prevents the progression of further complications. I would encourage people who are concerned with their foot health, and in particular those with diabetes, to contact their GP or public health nurse who can arrange referrals to the podiatry service if necessary once they have completed the training”.