Something’s afoot in world of podiatry

A paramedic from Dorchester is offering foot care for people who are housebound.

Janet Ogden has served on the frontline for Dorset South West Ambulance Service for 17 years and has been a paramedic for the last ten.

Now qualified as a Foot Health Practitioner, Janet is visiting people who live in Dorchester and the surrounding villages to look after their feet.

Spotting a gap in this area of healthcare, Janet qualified as a Foot Health Practitioner and launched Oggy’s Footcare on February 1, to provide this necessary and often overlooked service to people in their own homes.

Janet said: “There is a real need for foot care. GPs are no longer routinely referring patients to NHS podiatrists, which is leaving many people, particularly those who are housebound to suffer foot problems. As we age, if we are poorly or have certain health conditions, the ability to provide our own foot care becomes more difficult.

“Foot health is vital as it can prevent infections which can become serious, and even seemingly minor things like not having your toenails cut can lead to ulcers and mobility problems.”

Janet said: “I will come to visit you in your home and look after your feet if you find it difficult to do this yourself. I am more than happy to come along just for a toenail trim and a quick chat, or I can help with those painful feet conditions such as corns and calluses with gentle treatments and if necessary, make a referral to other health care professionals.”

On the first appointment, clients can expect a neurovascular check and diabetic foot check and people who have Multiple Sclerosis can have their first session free of charge.

Janet added: “I think it is important for those who are caring for people who are housebound, even if it just doing a bit of shopping or returning library books, to gently ask them about their feet and if they need a bit of TLC.”

Janet can be contacted at Oggy’s Footcare on 07824 486356 or by email at oggysfootcare@gmail.com