‘Paging Podiatry!’: an audit of acute inpatient podiatry referrals

Abstract

Background In 2010, the Box Hill Hospital podiatry department increased staffing levels from 0.6 to 1.6 EFT. Historically a limited High Risk Foot outpatient service, this increase meant there was more time available to build the much needed inpatient service. Promotion of the new service has resulted in a substantial increase in podiatry referrals from the acute wards. The Podiatry Department has also established close links with the Vascular Surgery Department and is a part of their Outpatient Clinic. Once received, the podiatry referrals are routinely triaged into prioritisation categories, according to the severity of the described complaint and any reported comorbidities. Category 1 and 2 referrals essentially revolve around active foot wounds and complications that require an immediate podiatry response. Category 3 and 4 referrals are less medically urgent and not seen as a priority to the service.