Allied Health Professions

Podiatrists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disease and conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Their training enables them to assess the vascular, neurological and orthopaedic status of the patient’s lower limbs. Following assessment, treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and maintaining functional independence. There are 179 podiatrists working within the HPSS in Northern Ireland.

A number of podiatrists specialise in particular areas such as diabetes, rheumatology, sports injuries, bio-mechanics, high risk wound healing and are part of multidisciplinary teams in areas such as rehabilitation and community development.

The majority of podiatrists work within the Health Service either full or part-time and many have private practices.

Some have completed advanced training in minor foot surgery and perform bone surgery on the foot.

Health promotion is an important role for podiatrists with some moving full-time into this field.

The Northern Ireland managers group are currently involved in strategy development in common with other AHP colleagues and have recently agreed protocols and procedures for student placements within the province