First contact practitioner podiatrists
First contact practitioner podiatrists (FCPs) usually work from GP surgeries/clinics within primary care and can see patients with lower limb conditions without them having seen a GP first. They are usually trained to band 7 clinical capability in the NHS and can demonstrate an extended level skills, training and experience.
Podiatrists in these roles differ to podiatrists working in community health services. The FCP role is largely a triage role where the podiatrist will utilise their practise and clinical skills for which they are qualified. This can include referral for further investigations such as imaging and bloods investigations.
Podiatrists have access to prescription-only medicines via exemptions but can become independent prescribing widening access to medicines management and provision within scope. Enhanced skills in injection therapies or ultrasound guided injection therapies, vascular assessment, neurological assessment and musculoskeletal assessment and a sound clinical knowledge provide background for this role that aims to position the patient in the correct place, in the quickest time and with the correct investigations to support their needs.
The FCP will have existing levels of competencies and skills, but further upskilling can occur to meet the varied population needs of the neighbourhood. This means that certain areas may have a greater need for its population; for example, a higher ageing population may require a higher level of falls prevention assessment which could be screened and referred for with the FCP podiatrists. Similarly, a higher need for dermatological investigations would benefit from upskilling in dermatology and competencies in use of dermatoscope by the FCP podiatrist.
Job description for an FCP podiatrist
Download Template FCP podiatry job description.
This job description provides examples of how podiatrist roles have previously been recruited to, working models, and specialities – at Agenad for Change (AfC) indicative band 7