"professional and reassuring"

I was diagnosed with and began taking medication for Type 2 Diabetes just as Covid was coming, and that's when I first heard about the Podiatry Department's service at Thr Arches Centre.

I have had relatives and acquaintances who suffered with serious foot and leg problems as complications of Diabetes, so I did not hesitate accepting the first appointment, and have made a point of having an annual check-up early every year.

This time, I contacted the department in February, and the staff member who answered my call was able to give me a choice of appointments during March.

This was quickly followed-up by letter, and also on the 'My Care' online facility, as well as by text message.  I would not have forgotten anyway, but, by using all of these available contact methods, I feel this is useful for patients and surely likely to cut-down on wasted appointments.  This is good to see.

I arrived in good-time.  The waiting area was quite busy with other people waiting to be called, and being steadily called, and it was soon my turn.

I was called by Ruth, who introduced herself as Assistant Podiatry Assistant.  Ruth walked with me at my slow pace to a treatment room, inviting me to remove shoes and onto the couch.

She knew I had attended these check-ups regularly, so I knew what to expect, and we spoke about ongoing issues and about other underlying health conditions and background.  I also told Ruth I had included these on my 'My Care' record, which she could see 

Ruth did the various checks - all of them painless - and commented on the differences in both feet.  She said she wanted to have a word with a colleague, and returned with a Podiatrist, Mollie, who also had a look and quick examination of feet, and it was agreed that I would return in approx one month for some further tests.

Ruth assisted me with putting my shoes on again - hernias make it very difficult - and said they would be in touch by phone and letter within the next week or so.  She walked with me gently back to the waiting area.

Everywhere I went was clean, neat and tidy.  Ruth and Mollie were pleasant, professional and reassuring, and I observed this with others, too.

This service is very important, and the fact that, in most cases, patients are able to self-refer and contact the Podiatry Department with any worries or concerns, is especially helpful and vital when access to many aspects of health care, including GPs, can be so difficult for people.

I thoroughly recommend this welcoming service to everyone else, especially other people living with Diabetes.

Thank you all.