Podiatrists play an important role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot and lower limb conditions. In the hospital setting, podiatrists work with a team of professionals to manage foot problems such as wounds / ulcers, infections or destructive joint disorders that place individuals at risk of amputation. Podiatrists are also involved in falls prevention and the treatment of muscle / tendon pathologies. Broadly, the aim of podiatry services is to preserve / improve mobility and thereby enhance patient wellbeing.
How do I see a St Vincent’s Hospital Podiatrist?
You require a referral to see a Podiatrist at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Depending on your foot problem and the service you need to attend, your GP, local podiatrist or other health professional may be able to arrange a referral for you. See below for our service details.
What do I bring to my appointment?
So that we can do a thorough assessment and implement a management plan that suits you and your goals, please bring any shoes, orthoses, gait aids and dressings that you are currently using. If you have been prescribed special shoes or innersoles in the past, please bring these along. If you have recent results of imaging (eg: x-rays) or blood tests bring these in case we have not received a copy.
Our Services
High Risk Foot Service
The St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne High Risk Foot Service is accredited as a Centre of Excellence with the National Association of Diabetes Centres.
The SVHM HRFS has interdisciplinary outpatient services (Endocrinology, Rehabilitation, Vascular, Podiatry, Orthotist, Registered Nurse, Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Infectious Diseases Specialist) and interdisciplinary inpatient services including a weekly High Risk Foot Unit Ward Round (Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases, Pharmacy/Antimicrobial Stewardship, Vascular, Podiatry & Orthotics).
Eligibility Criteria
People with complex high risk foot conditions that place the limb at risk of amputation; including but not limited to:
- Chronic non-healing foot ulceration +/- osteomyelitis
- Acute ulceration with infection
- Active Charcot foot (suspected or diagnosed)
- Recent lower limb or partial foot amputation
MBS HRFC
Monday PM in Red Clinic (ground floor), 41 Victoria Pde Fitzroy
Interdisciplinary outpatient clinic with Vascular, Endocrinology, Rehabilitation, Podiatry, Orthotics and Nursing.
Telehealth is available and encouraged for regional patients where they are able to access a local podiatry, GP or nursing service and link in with the acute interdisciplinary service through Health Direct. A weekly case conference is also held on a Thursday with the addition of Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship. A medical practitioner referral is required for this clinic.
Allied Health HRFC
Multiple interdisciplinary clinics per week run in the Podiatry Department in the Bolte Wing (ground floor, 14 Nicholson St Fitzroy) and include different combinations of Podiatry with P&O, Credentialed Diabetes Educator and Infectious Diseases. This clinic accepts referrals from non-medical practitioners (including community podiatrists and other allied health professionals), for patients who are known to other SVHM specialists.
Inpatient High Risk Foot Unit Ward Round
Thursday PM at acute hospital.
Coordinated by the Senior Podiatrist, the High Risk Foot Unit includes any patient admitted in the acute hospital with a high risk foot condition requiring interdisciplinary assessment and management. Any unit can refer into the High Risk Foot Unit Ward Round via referral to Podiatry and/or Vascular.
Emergency Department
Patients with a high risk foot condition will be seen as high priority by the HRFU team members. Where acute admission for critical limb ischaemia and/or foot infection management is not required, outpatient appointments can be facilitated by contacting the HRFC Coordinator or referring to clinics as per below.
Referrals
Fax referral for MBS HRFC to Delacy at 9231 2489
Fax referral for Allied Health HRFC to 9231 3808
Contact the HRFC Coordinator on 9231 3489 or podiatry@svha.org.au
Other outpatient clinics
Podiatry Outpatient clinics provides podiatry treatment to patients who attend medical and specialist clinics at St Vincent's in the Podiatry Department at the Fitzroy campus (ground floor, 14 Nicholson St Fitzroy), and at St George's Hospital for those attending other SACS/CRC services there. Internal referrals only are accepted to these services.
Falls and Balance Clinic
Podiatry work within the Falls and Balance Clinic at St George's Hospital to identify and manage foot related falls risk factors for people attending this interdisplinary service. The Falls and Balance clinic offers a comprehensive physical and medical examination for individuals at risk of, or who have experienced recent falls. The Falls and Balance clinic offers a comprehensive physical and medical examination for individuals at risk of, or who have experienced recent falls.
Inpatient service:
Podiatry treatment is prioritised to ensure those with a medical need have access to services. Priority is given to patients with pressure injuries and/or wounds on the foot/ankle.
Service is available at the following sites:
- St Vincent’s Hospital (acute and sub-acute)
- St George’s Hospital (sub-acute)
- St Vincent's Hospital on the Park (sub-acute)
- Caritas Christi, 104 Studley Park Road, Kew 3101
Other Services and Resources
SVHM Podiatrists provides in-reach Podiatry services to SVHM Residential care facilities and Port Phillip Prison
External Professional Associations