Podiatry Services

A podiatry service is available to frail aged and persons with a disability at risk of institutional care. It also services people with diabetes and/or peripheral vascular disease who have a high risk of foot care complications.

Macarthur Podiatry Department applies a priority scaling to identify clients at the high risk of developing lower limb complications and those at high risk of institutional care. A scaling iniative was commenced in january 2003. The priority scaling was developed with information recommended by Diabetes Australia, Macarthur Aged Care Assessment Team and the Home and Community Care program.

High Risk
- current foot ulceration
- history of ischaemic and/or neuropathic foot ulcerations
- foot pressure sores
- previous lower limb complication

At Risk
- peripheral neuropathy
- peripheral vascular disease
- arterial ulceration
- foot deformity due to rheumatoid arthritis

Moderate Risk
- diabetes mellitus for more than 10 years
- diabetes mellitus with complications
- warfarin therapy
- venous ulceration
- ischaemic heart disease
- lower limb skin grafts due to medical complications
- immunosuppressive therapy

Assessing clients for risk of institution care include living arrangements, daily living skills ability, gait and mobility, and age. Workshops have been developed to teach clients how to be more self-reliant in their foot care needs.

For further information
Rosemeadow Community Health Centre
Campbelltown Community Health Centre
Ingleburn Community Health Centre
Narellan Community Health Centre
Wollondilly Community Health Centre

Further information on criteria for eligiblity, clinic locations and application forms can be obtained by telephoning the Podiatry Clerk at Rosemeadow CHC.
Phone: (02) 4633 4162
Fax: (02) 4633 4111

Australian Podiatry Association

Phone: (02) 9698 3751
Fax: (02) 9698 7116
Website: www.podiatry.asn.au