What is Podiatry?
The aim of a podiatrist is to improve mobility, independence and quality of life, by providing preventative care, assessing and diagnosing conditions and providing a wide range of treatments for the feet and lower limbs.

Why should I be treated by someone registered with the Health Professions Council?
The Health Professions Council (HPC) was set up to protect the UK public by regulating health professionals. They only register professionals who meet their standards on training, skills and behaviour. You can check if a professional is registered by checking the HPC website (see LINKS).

Do I need to be referred by my GP?
You don’t need to be referred by your doctor for treatment but if you are, you will still need to pay for your own treatments.

Are there any special requirements of me the patient?
It is helpful if you can be treated in a chair that you are comfortable in, where there is good light. If you have a stool this will be helpful but is not essential as a domiciliary foot stool can be provided. For health and safety reasons to protect you and the clinician, all household pets should be kept out of the room during treatment.

Can I be treated if I have diabetes?
Many diabetic patients are now being referred to the private sector for routine care by the National Health Service (NHS). Diabetics should only be treated by a qualified podiatrist or chiropodists that are registered with The Health Professions Council (HPC) and The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?
Please telephone when cancelling an appointment. You will not be charged if you cancel your appointment 24 hours in advance but cancellations on the day may incur a fee.

How long are the appointments?
As each person is an individual with specific needs or desires, the first appointment will be for 45 minutes to allow for time to complete a full assessment, agree an individual plan of care and to provide the first treatment. All subsequent appointments will be at an agreed time for up to 30 minutes. In the unlikely event that there is not time to complete all the required treatment within these times a further appointment may need to be made.

Do I have to have a family member or friend with me when I am treated?
You don’t need to have anyone present during visits but Beverley does understand that some patients may feel vulnerable having someone visit when they don’t know them. If you would prefer to have a friend or family member present this is your choice. It is helpful, however, that anyone actively involved in your care is present during the initial assessment.

What do I do if I have a complaint?
Beverley aims to provide a high quality of satisfaction for all her clients but occasionally issues may arise. In the unlikely event that you are not happy about something relating to your treatment, please contact Beverley to discuss your concerns so that she can resolve them with you.

I don’t have a medical need but can I still get my feet treated?
Yes, podiatry is available to everyone whether you have a medical need or not. You may just wish to be simply pampered and that is ok. Podiatry is as much about preventing problems and making your feet feel good as it is about treating conditions.

Can I claim on my private insurance?
A receipt can be provided with Beverley’s HPC registration number for medical insurance purposes. You may be able to claim back part or all of your treatment costs, depending on the policy you have. It is up to you to ensure that you can claim back any treatment costs through your insurance company before booking appointments.

Please note that Beverley is not registered with BUPA so claims will not be able to be made for their policies.

What happens if I am not sure whether I should receive treatment privately or by the NHS?
If you are not sure who should be treating you, please discuss this matter with your doctor first. Most National Health Service, Podiatry Departments are willing to provide an assessment of your feet if there is a medical need but subsequent treatments are only likely if you are at high risk of ulceration or amputation.