COVID-19
Members can continue to practise. Read our guidance for each country
England
COVID-19: England lockdown, November 2020
Therefore, podiatrists can remain open. This includes home visits.
Nursing homes have been told to lockdown to all routine visits; they should still allow entry for medical visits, but some may only allow visits for urgent medical treatment. Red and Amber patients, as indicated by the College's COVID-19 treatment grid, should be prioritised, but Green patients can also be seen.
As the Government releases more information this week, the College will keep members up to date via its website and its regular email newsletters.
Related content:
- College's COVID-19 treatment grid
- Pro forma letter to nursing homes which members can adapt for their own use, confirming that podiatrists may continue to provide medical treatments
- Scotand's strategic framework for COVID-19 and podiatric practice
- College update following Welsh Government announcement on circuit break
Northern Ireland
COVID-19: Northern Ireland circuit breaker
Podiatrists working in Northern Ireland are advised that they can remain open. This includes home visits.
Podiatrists can access nursing homes for medical visits, with appropriate PPE and arrangements in place. Red and Amber patients, as indicated by the College's COVID-19 treatment grid, should be prioritised, but Green patients can also be seen.
The College will review its guidance after the circuit breaker finishes on 13 November.
Related content:
- College's COVID-19 treatment grid
- Pro forma letter to nursing homes which members can adapt for their own use, confirming that podiatrists may continue to provide medical treatments
- Scotand's strategic framework for COVID-19 and podiatric practice
- College update following Welsh Government announcement on circuit break
- COVID-19: England lockdown, November 2020
Scotland
Scotland's strategic framework for COVID-19 and podiatric practice
The Scottish Government has announced the introduction of a five-tier plan to suppress COVID-19 but podiatrists can continue to practise.
Scotland's new Coronavirus (COVID-19) Strategic Framework does not affect healthcare services. Podiatrists, as registered medical professionals, can continue to treat patients in all tiers, including in nursing home and domiciliaries.
However, while you can treat across all red, amber and green patients, in the higher tiers 3 and 4 priority should be given to red and amber patients as much as possible.
Download the CoP's Treatment grid during COVID-19
Wales
College update following Welsh Government announcement on circuit break
Following the Welsh Government's announcement that a COVID-19 circuit break will run from 23 October to 9 November, the College can confirm podiatrists can still work.
This includes domiciliary practices as patients are still permitted to attend medical appointments.
Podiatrists in Wales can see red and amber patients (see the College's Treatment Grid during COVID-19), but you may wish to consider postponing green patients' appointments until after 9 November, especially if they are not in pain or at risk of bacterial infection.
This is the College's early interpretation of the new measures and we will issue further instruction if it changes.
More information can be found on the Government Wales website in their Coronavirus firebreak: frequently asked questions.
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