Podiatry & Foot Health Services
Podiatry is the study of the lower limb and foot and involves the practitioner to successfully complete a three year full-time or four year part-time honours science degree in Podiatric Medicine. In order to practice in the NHS, the Podiatrist must maintain registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
Podiatry services are available based upon clinical need only, there being no age restrictions. We no longer see patients for social nail care or treat corns and callous in otherwise health individuals. To utilise the specialist skills of the podiatrist, treatment is focused on patients with complex medical problems that can affect their feet. Podiatry assessment is available to the GP registered population of Bury.
Registered Podiatrists work to professional standards set by The Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists and are also bound by the Standards of Conduct, Performance & Ethics and Standards of Proficiency issued by the Health Professions Council. These are available via www.hpc-uk.org and www.feetforlife.org
A Podiatrist is a specialist in providing a comprehensive foot health service that includes the independent diagnosis, management and treatment of lower limb and foot dysfunction and associated pathologies.
Podiatry services are essential to support independent living and a good quality of life. If people are unable to stand and walk in reasonable comfort due to foot and/or lower limb problems, this may result in loss of employment, a declining social life and reduced independence.
Who is eligible to access our service?
The Podiatry Department assesses patients across life’s spectrum, from children with foot problems to the elderly with problems associated with advanced years
People with foot and lower limb problems arising from medical conditions such as diabetes, severe arthritis or circulatory disorders, eg. Ischaemia, vascular and pulmonary disease are given priority.
We no longer see patients for social nail care or the treatment of verrucae.
How to access our service
Access to Podiatry Services is by written referral from GPs and their Practice Nurses for Bury registered patients.
Patients meeting the access criteria will be routed to the appropriate podiatry team member for assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management, that may involve referring on to colleagues within the service, for example, Nail Surgery Specialist, Biomechanical & Gait Assessment, Diabetes & Rheumatology Specialist Podiatrists and to other agencies, for example Physiotherapist, Nurse or GP.
How to contact us
Podiatry services are provided in a number of health centres and GP Surgeries across the borough:
Prestwich Health Centre
T: 0161 773 9111
Townside Primary Care Centre
T: 0161 762 1570
Mile Lane Clinic - Via the Business Management Centre
T: 0161 764 0315
Tottington Health Centre
T: 01204 885 113
Ramsbottom Health Centre
T: 01706 824 294
Radcliffe Primary Care Centre
T: 0161 724 2020
Opening hours
Appointment times are generally provided on weekdays from 9am until 4.30pm. Podiatry is not provided everyday at some sites. All appointments are managed via the Community Services Bury Business Management Centre on
0161 762 1570.