20 May 2025
A new minor diabetic foot service has launched at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, which provides essential surgical intervention for diabetic patients with tendon-related foot conditions.
The service, which runs in partnership with The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), aims to support patients who require minor procedures, such as toe tenotomies, to prevent the progression of deformities that can lead to serious complications, including ulcers and infection.
It has been introduced in response to an increasing demand for specialist foot surgery for diabetic patients in Shropshire – which has one of the highest amputation rates in the country.
The initiative was developed by Ms Catriona Heaver and Mr Chris Marquis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, alongside a project team. It has been rolled out following two successful pilots.
Ms Heaver said: “This service is a fantastic step forward in providing timely intervention for diabetic patients with tendon-related foot problems. By offering minor procedures in a day case setting, we can help prevent more serious complications and improve long-term outcomes.”
Mr Marquis added: “We are delighted to collaborate with our colleagues at SaTH to establish this service. Using best practice that already exists from hand surgery pathways means we can ensure a smooth, patient-centred approach to care. Early intervention is key in managing diabetic foot conditions.”
Patients who have already undergone procedures through the service have shared positive feedback.
David Thomas, from Whitchurch, was one of the first to benefit from the new clinic during its pilot. He said: “I was apprehensive before coming in, like you would be before any procedure, however the team made sure everything was thoroughly explained to me. Overall, the procedure went very well, and I felt very reassured throughout.”
This innovative service represents an important collaboration between RJAH and SaTH, demonstrating a commitment to improving diabetic foot care in the region.
Nicky Beard, Podiatry Diabetes Lead at SaTH, has been working alongside Ms Heaver and Mr Marquis. She said: “Claw and hammer toe deformity frequently develops in people with diabetes and leads to increased pressure on the end of the toes and, in combination with neuropathy, can result in diabetic foot ulcers.
“By offering these minor procedures, it is easy to reduce the severity of their claw or hammer toes, heal wounds and prevent ulcer reoccurrence in the future.”