Diabetes and High Risk Foot Service
What we do
The hospital diabetes service can be found in the District General Hospitals.
Diabetes can cause foot problems because glucose can damage the nerves and blood vessels that supply the foot. These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why your feet are screened every year at your GP practice. You will be given a risk classification, which is your level of risk of developing foot problems. If you have a risk classification of Moderate or High you will be referred to the Podiatry team for further assessment.
If you have an Ulcer on your feet that means you have Active foot disease and you will be referred urgently to the advanced podiatry wound care team. Other conditions which fall under ‘Active Foot disease’ are:
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Suspected Charcot
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Infection
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Critical/Acute Limb Ischaemia
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Other Reason (must be discussed with a DFC team member)
Who is it for?
The high risk service is for people who have health problems that put the foot at risk. Health problems like diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy (sensation loss), rheumatoid arthritis or certain medicines and treatments for cancer, can increase the risk of foot problems occurring. Please note that having diabetes does not necessarily make you high risk.
Can anyone use the service?
You need your GP or any other recognised Health Care provider to refer you to the service.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm
What to expect
At your first appointment the podiatrist will assess your foot health and assess how at risk your feet are for ulceration, infection and amputation. If your feet are assessed as at high risk you will need to take extra care and may need regular treatment by a podiatrist. Our High risk clinics are run in a number of sites in the community.
Our advanced podiatry team will assess you and develop a treatment plan. This might include treatment of ulcers, treating any infection, possibly putting you in a cast to take the pressure off your foot.
They might refer you for an X-ray or to another specialist team, to make sure you get access to appropriate treatments when needed. This referral pathway helps prevent amputations and hospital admissions
Contact us
Y Bwythyn
The Common
Hospital Rd
Pontypridd
CF37 4AL
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