Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- Our opening hours and branches
We are open as follows:
ROCHESTER BRANCH
Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Thursday’s, Friday’s & Saturday’s
Monday 9am to 8pm
Alternate Tuesdays 9am to 7pm
Alternate Wednesdays 9am to 7pm
Thursdays 9am to 7pm
Alternate Fridays 9am to 7pm
Alternate Saturday 9am to 6pm
Fort Pitt House
New Road
Rochester
ME1 1DX
STROOD BRANCH
Mondays 9am – 8pm
Tuesdays 9am – 7pm
Wednesdays 9am – 8pm
Thursdays 9am – 8pm
Fridays 9am – 8pm
Alternate Saturdays 9am – 6pm
113 High Street
Strood
ME2 4TJ
One Friday a month at
Telefonica (o2)
(For Telefonica staff only)
260 Bath Road
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 4DX
One Sunday every 6 weeks at
The Radisson Blu Hotel
140 Bath Road
Middlesex
UB3 5AW
8am – 7pm
- What is a podiatrist/chiropodist?
A podiatrist is a health professional, trained and educated to assess, diagnose and treat problems of the foot and lower limb. Podiatrists can advise on foot care, health education, gait analysis, footwear advice and devise therapeutic care plans that are designed to maximise mobility and enhance the patient’s level of activity.
- What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist?
There is no difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropodist has been traditionally used in the United Kingdom, but the term podiatrist is recognised and used more internationally and reflects a broader scope of practice in both standard chiropody treatments, gait analysis and biomechanics.
The terms ‘podiatry’ and ‘chiropody’ is used interchangeably in the United Kingdom. The terms are protected so that only practitioners registered with the Health Professions Council can refer to themselves as a chiropodist or podiatrist (HCPC).
- What is HCPC?
The HCPC regulates the chiropody and podiatry profession and ensures that all of its members meet their standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.
- What common conditions do podiatrists treat?
Assessment and routine care of common foot complaints such as corns and verrucae. Learn more…
Assessment of the structure, alignment and function of the feet and legs with appropriate treatment such as orthoses (insoles) to correct any abnormality.
Nail surgery using local anaesthetics for ingrowing toenails.
Management of patients at high risk of foot problems such as diabetes, arthritis and peripheral vascular disease.
Advice on prevention of foot problems and how to keep your feet in good health.
- What will my first visit entail?
During your consultation we will take your medical history. You can download the medical history form here. Please complete the form and bring it with you on your first appointment. All the information kept is confidential, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Society of Chiropodists, the Health Professions Council and the Data Protection Act (We are registered data users registered with the Information Commission).
- Do you do provide NHS treatments?
We are a private clinic and as such we are not funded to offer free NHS treatment but comply with the standards that health care insurance providers require such as HCPC registration. Many NHS trusts do not provide podiatry/chiropody services unless the patients have an underlying medical disorder in conjunction with being considered to be a high risk patient.
- Do you do home visits?
If you are housebound we do provide podiatry care for you at home, please telephone 01634 540053 and our receptionists will be happy to organise this for you.
- Will my GP obtain a record of the visit and treatment provided?
We normally write to your GP after your first appointment with us to inform them that you are registered with our practice and provide a summary and a proposed treatment plan. Please tell us if you do not wish us to communicate any information to your GP.
- How can I pay for my treatment?
You may pay for your treatment in a variety of methods:
Cash, Cheque, BACS transfer and Debit and Credit Cards as below.
- Do you offer any discount?
Yes, we offer a 10% concession for over 60’s, under 10 years old, the Armed Forces, NHS Staff, local businesses and if you recommend a friend or family member.
- Will it hurt?
Podiatry treatment carried out by skilled practitioner should be pain free. Conditions such as in growing toenails may be sensitive to treat, however great relief is experienced following the treatment of the painful area. In some cases local anaesthetic may be used to temporarily dull any pain.
- Do I need to be referred by my doctor?
You do not need to be referred by a doctor to book an appointment. You can telephone 01634 540053 add link and our receptionists will be happy to book you in at your convenience.
- I feel embarrassed about my feet, should I book an appointment?
We are highly professional, friendly and skilled practitioners having studied 3 years to a degree level to be competent in our field. Furthermore, with over 14 years postgraduate experience and currently undertaking an MSc in Podiatry with Clinical Biomechanics you can be assured you are in expert hands. I thoroughly enjoy working with people and their feet and find it very rewarding helping people become pain free, mobile, easing their discomfort, offering advice and reassurance and helping to cure any ailments in order to maintain happy, healthy feet.
- How much is the treatment?
- Aren’t orthotics just expensive arch supports?
Absolutely not! A simple arch support is designed to push up against your arch while standing, it will not control your mechanics whilst walking or address or control the foot’s imbalances. Buying an over-the-counter arch support is like buying eye glasses off the shelf.
For further information or assistance please call our friendly receptionists who will be happy to help you 01634 540053
