www.aldridgechiropody.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a patient at the Health Centre ?
Not at all, we have patients attending our surgery from local areas. But we also have patients who live some way away but work in the area, and also patients who got to know about us and who travel a distance from far and wide.
All patients are welcome, you do not have to live in the area.
Can I attend even if I recieve NHS chiropody treatment ?
It is important that your feet are looked after. If you already receive NHS treatment it must already mean you have a chiropodial need. The treatment you recieve within the NHS is first class, but sometimes patients find that they do not recieve such treatment often enough. Discuss your needs with the NHS chiropodist on your visit, they will understand your situation and support the reason why you may need private treatment.
Do I need to tell you about my medication ?
Yes it is most important when you first attend that you bring with you a list of your medication. You will be asked questions concerning your health to ensure you are treated properly regarding any problems. All information is held for our use only and will not be seen by any other party.
If I am diabetic I can not recieve private chiropody treatment ?
That is not true. Diabetic patients receive priority treatment from the NHS. But sometimes patients have concerns regarding foot care, and desire increased treatment. Patients with diabetes are very welcome, however initially if you have a cause for concern do contact your local NHS clinic, as normal, if required after that stage please do not hesitate t contact us.
Recieving treatment privately through ourselves will not cause any problems with the NHS chiropody service. It is better to either put your mind at rest, or receive treatment from ourselves rather that let a problem get worse. Our qualifications are the same as those within the NHS, and you can be confident of receiving first class care and support. It is our policy to work with the NHS chiropodists/podiatrists and the Doctors, and we will if we feel it is important contact either party if we feel there is a need.
Does it hurt ?
Most problems can be relieved without discomfort. Obviously if you keep on putting off coming to visit us and the area becomes more painful, clearly discomfort may be felt. We will do our best to make your visit a pleasant one, you can help by seeking attention as soon as possible.
Will I have to return ?
Some problems keep on recurring, many corns for instance depending on the cause, i.e the way you are waking, unsuitable footwear etc. We will offer advice on what is causing your problems, therefore if you adhere to the advice hopefully your problems may be a thing of the past.
Do you have to be old to visit a chiropodist/podiatrist ?
No, every day we treat people of all ages from children to O.A.P's, male and female. Many problems are not age related.
Is the treatment expensive ?
Far less than you think. Each appointment last up to 1/2 hour. This gives ample time to assess your problem, carry out the treatment, and discuss a long term treatment plan, all aimed to give you, the patient, comfort.
How do I make an appointment ?
Telephone us on our normal surgery number (01922) 450989 and we will be pleased to agree a date and time to suit you.
Do you charge if I fail to attend, or cancel giving less then 24 hours notice ?
We always charge a broken appointment fee if you fail to cancel at least 24 hours before due. The fee is set at £10.00. Please understand there are people urgently seeking treatment, if you change your mind regarding treatment or do not turn up you are stopping us helping them. Remember it may be you that needs help next time. It also means we lose financially because you did not cancel in time,or forgot. That is not our fault and there is no reason why we should suffer financially. If you for some reason do not agree with our policy, which is actually aimed to help our patients, please do not book an appointment.