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Press release 21 May 2008
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP) has welcomed the Health Secretary’s announcement of measures to improve NHS services for older people, including a review of foot care services to ensure that toenail cutting in particular is available.
SCP Chairman Janet McInnes said:
"Alan Johnson is right in identifying the importance of basic foot care in helping older people to retain their independence. Many older people suffer from arthritis and poor eyesight and are unable to cut their own toenails. If toenails are left uncut this can lead to falls, reduced mobility, and other health complications.
The Health Secretary has called for toenail cutting to be made more accessible to older people. Where this need cannot be met directly by the NHS, the SCP believes that older people should be able to access such services on their local high street. Many chiropodists and podiatrists in private practice offer low cost nail cutting packages or are employed by charities such as Age Concern. The podiatric manpower is available to meet this need, and we are looking forward to discussing with the Department of Health how this can be achieved."
Notes to Editors
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists has 10,000 members and is the professional body and trade union for registered chiropodists and podiatrists in the UK
Media enquiries
Joanna Brown
Chief Executive
Email: jb@scpod.org
Tel: 0845 450 3730
Nita Parmar
Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: np@scpod.org
Tel: 0845 450 3724
Mob: 07768 552464
London District 23-May-2008
Categories: Elderly, Footnote
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