Footcare guidance

Foreword from the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for Scotland

Good footcare is important and regular personal footcare can help individuals to remain active, mobile and independent. If carried out correctly, personal footcare can help identify and prevent future problems at an early stage by prompting individuals to seek help or specialist advice.

In 2013, The Scottish Government published the Personal Footcare Guidance which clearly set out the difference between personal footcare and clinical podiatry. It was developed in recognition of the fact that there is significant variation in practice across Scotland with regard to the provision of personal footcare and how it is signposted.

In 2024, I am pleased to present this refresh of the Personal Footcare Guidance which has been developed in line with the emerging programme of work around Care and Wellbeing, NHS Recovery and the delivery of sustainable services which provide the people of Scotland with the right care, at the right time and in the right place. It emphasises the importance of integrated care, prevention, anticipation and supported self-management.

Demands on the NHS podiatry services have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. These are compounded by significant workforce challenges.

Empowering individuals to take the lead role in their care and equipping them with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and confidence to thrive within their homes or in a comfortable environment lies at the core of our person-centered objectives for the NHS in Scotland. Equally important is fostering an understanding of when to seek assistance from a clinical podiatrist.

I am grateful to all the members of the National Working Group commissioned to refresh this Guidance and appreciate their insights, resources and expertise. Thank you to all our partners who have worked with us to refresh this guidance.

Professor Carolyn McDonald
Chief Allied Health Professions Officer