Changes to access criteria June 2026

Overview

We have updated the access criteria for Podiatry Services across Redbridge and Waltham Forest. These changes ensure the service is prioritised for patients with the highest clinical need, in line with national guidance and current capacity.

Key changes at a glance

• Revised referral criteria now in place
• Referrals outside criteria will not be accepted
• Existing patients who do not meet the new criteria will be discharged from the service.
• Patients will be provided with advice and alternative service options.

Revised Access Criteria

Referrals will only be accepted for:

• Active diabetic foot disease (NICE NG19)
  Excluding patients requiring urgent A&E care.
  
• Non-diabetic foot ulceration requiring debridement
  Excluding pressure ulcers and ulcers at the ankle or above.
  
• History of foot ulceration (non-diabetic)
  with poor skin integrity and considerable risk of re-ulceration
  
• Nail surgery (age 8+)
  where the nail is causing infection or significant pain.
  
• MSK / Biomechanics conditions
  (Paediatrics included)
  Excludes children who are not yet independently mobile or newly walking
  

All podiatrists within the department are trained to BSc(Hons) podiatry level or equivalent and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

All referrals are triaged for eligibility to the service, please note the access criteria for this service changed in June 2026. Please see information above for more details.

Following an in-depth assessment, the podiatrist works with the patient to put together an individualised care plan to support their recovery.

Treatment is provided in the community or hospital setting. Where the patient is deemed totally housebound, a home visit may be arranged.

Contact our service in Redbridge

Our clinics are based at the following sites:

Hainault Health Centre
Manford Way
Chigwell
IG7 4DF

Loxford Polyclinic
417 Ilford Lane
Ilford
IG1 2SN

Newbury Park Health Centre 
New patient’s to the service following a telephone assessment will need to attend Newbury Park Centre for their initial face-to-face appointment.
Perrymans Farm Road
Newbury Park
Ilford 
IG2 7LE

South Woodford Health Centre
114 High Road
South Woodford
E18 2QS

Wanstead Place Clinic
35 Wanstead Place 
Wanstead 
E11 2SW

• Email: PodiatryRBWF@nelft.nhs.uk
• Tel: 0300 300 1722

Referrals

Referrals should be made by healthcare professionals, via Elemental where possible, using the agreed referral template to the right-hand side of the page.

• Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may not be seen.
• If you are unable to attend, please contact us so your appointment can be offered to another patient.
• Missed appointments may result in discharge from the service.
  If we have no contact for 6 months, your referral will be discharged and a new referral will be required.