Foot health

We provide a wide range of foot health services at University Hospital Lewisham and in the community.

This includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, education and advice on disease and deformities related to the foot and lower limb.

Conditions we can treat

This service is only for people with a health condition that impacts on the health of their feet, or people with a significant foot problem

Foot problems we can treated include:

  • Foot ulceration/wound care for wounds below the ankle joint
  • Musculoskeletal pathology of the foot
  • Skin and nail pathology of the foot in patients with a high risk of foot ulceration
  • Foot deformities

Conditions we can not treat

  • Verruca(e) or warts in any individual
  • Fungal skin or nail conditions in otherwise healthy individuals
  • Hard skin or corns in otherwise healthy individuals
  • Wounds on or above the ankle

For those with verruca(e) or warts and no medical concerns please click the following link for self-care advice: Wart and verruca treatment options

For those with fungal skin or nail infections advice and treatment can quickly be given by your local pharmacist. Please click the following link for selfcare advice: The Royal College of Podiatry

Age concern provides a nail-cutting service called ‘Happy Feet’ for those over 50 years old who are not eligible for NHS Podiatry Treatment. Website: Age UK Lewisham and Southwark | Happy Feet

For advice on common foot conditions or how to find a private podiatrist, please visit The Royal College of Podiatry website: The Royal College of Podiatry

Services we provide

  • Wound care
  • Vascular assessment
  • Diabetic foot assessment
  • Nail surgery, and emergency nail clinic for ingrowing toenails
  • Musculoskeletal assessment 
  • Routine nail and skin care clinics for patients with relevant risk factors
  • New patient clinics
  • Acute foot services
  • Home visiting service

How to get a referral

Any person registered with a Lewisham GP can be referred by their GP or apply to the service by submitting an application form as below. However, only people with a health condition that impacts on the health of their feet, or people with a significant foot problem such as a wound, acutely ingrowing nail or painful musculoskeletal condition, can be given access to the service.

Please note Podiatry only manages wound care for lesions located below the ankle joint; any wounds at the level of the ankle or above should be referred to your practice nurse, district nurse or local leg ulcer team.

Download the Foot Health application form

 

Appointment information

All clinical and home visiting services operate Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and all services are by scheduled appointment only, using agreed booking. 

Once your referral has been reviewed, if accepted, you will be contacted to book an appointment at your nearest clinic or advised which clinic to attend if you require a more specialised service or appointment.

Foot health services in the community

Foot Health Services main office is based at Downham Health and Leisure Centre, which also acts as the base for our home visiting service. We also provide services from seven community clinics:

University Hospital Lewisham
 Suite 1, Purple Zone, University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH

T: 020 3192 6790

Downham Health and Leisure Centre
7-9 Moorside Road, Bromley, BR1 5EP

T: 020 3049 1800

Lee Health Centre
2 Handen Road, London, SE12 8NP

T: 020 3049 2114

Sydenham Green Health Centre
26 Holmshaw Close, London, SE26 4TH

T: 020 3049 2737

South Lewisham Health Centre
50 Conisborough Crescent, London, SE6 2SP

T: 020 3049 2503

Waldron Health Centre
Stanley Street, London, SE8 4BC

T: 020 3049 3400

Home visiting service

The Trust provides a home visiting service for patients who are physically unable to leave their home.

If you are able to leave your home independently or with assistance and therefore, can travel by foot, bus, car, taxi, wheelchair, dial-a-ride, or Patient Transport (except stretcher transfer), you will be not be eligible for a home visit and will be expected to attend a clinic appointment. 

If you are able to attend GP, dental, or hospital appointments, or you can leave your home for any reason, you will not be eligible for a home visit.

 

Acute foot service

Based in Suite 9, Yellow Zone, University Hospital Lewisham.

The acute foot service, cares for people with complex foot wounds.

Inpatient referral to the service is by ward staff only.

There is no direct referral route to this service for outpatients. Patients with a wound should be referred to Community Foot Health for Triage in the first instance; see application form for contact details.

If critical limb ischaemia or Charcot or spreading infection is suspected, refer directly and immediately to the Emergency Department.