Experiences of podiatry services in Barnet

In early 2017, Healthwatch Barnet were made aware of issues experienced by members of the public not being able to continue accessing NHS podiatry services. Therefore, they decided to look at the alternatives that are available locally to understand the options open to Barnet residents and the cohort of people no longer eligible for NHS treatment.

A mystery shopper exercise was carried out to assess the range of local services that provide help with toenail cutting. Volunteers contacted 29 services where nail cutting is provided, by phone and asked about the services they provide. Where possible the websites were also viewed, to check for additional information. Healthwatch Barnet also designed and carried out a short survey on podiatry services asking participants a range of questions including where they get their toenails cut, the cost of services, how often they received the service, and whether they were happy with it. Healthwatch engaged with 77 people through this survey.

The report explores: the types of services people use, the cost of nail cutting and specialist surgeries such as for ingrown toenails, home visits, specific health conditions including diabetes, staff training, frequency of visits, travelling distances and patient suggestions for improvements.

Healthwatch Barnet conclude that there is a gap in services available to residents who have difficulty in cutting their own toe nails and suggest that providing a good service at this point would make economic sense. Where residents have good foot care and are able to maintain their mobility, they will require less medical and social care support, as well as having a better quality of life.

The report makes five recommendations to service commissioners, based on the finding of the project and what local people said they needed.