Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Acute Podiatrist will provide highly specialised assessment, diagnosis and treatment for patients with complex diabetic foot disease and other high-risk lower limb conditions across the Trust. The post holder will independently manage a specialist caseload, taking clinical responsibility for developing, implementing and evaluating evidence-based treatment plans to prevent deterioration, promote wound healing and reduce the risk of lower limb amputation.

The role includes undertaking comprehensive wound assessments, identifying patients requiring urgent intervention, and ensuring timely referral to the appropriate specialties, including vascular surgery, diabetes, orthopaedics, infectious diseases and tissue viability. The post holder will be an expert in advanced wound management techniques, including sharp debridement, negative pressure wound therapy (VAC), larval therapy and the application of evidence-based dressings.

The Acute Podiatrist will develop specialist expertise in offloading techniques, including Total Contact Casting (TCC), Scotchcast boots, slipper casts and bedside orthotic devices, ensuring appropriate pressure redistribution to optimise healing. They will also assess the need for specialist footwear and pressure-relieving devices, working closely with Orthotics to ensure patients receive appropriate interventions.

The post holder will coordinate investigations, facilitate timely booking of diagnostic tests and interpret clinical findings, including undertaking transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO₂) measurements before and after vascular interventions such as angioplasty and bypass surgery to support clinical decision-making. They will actively participate in weekly multidisciplinary diabetic foot and vascular meetings, presenting complex patient cases, contributing to treatment planning and ensuring coordinated care across specialties.

A key responsibility will be leading early discharge clinics for patients with complex diabetic foot disease to facilitate safe discharge, reduce hospital length of stay and minimise avoidable readmissions. The role also requires close collaboration with community podiatry services, tissue viability teams, primary care and community nursing services to ensure seamless continuity of care following discharge.

The Acute Podiatrist will act as a clinical expert and role model, maintaining the professional standards required by the HCPC and promoting evidence-based practice through clinical leadership, audit, education and service improvement initiatives. The post holder will identify areas of poor practice, contribute to quality improvement programmes and support the development of clinical pathways to enhance patient outcomes. 

The expected clinical activity is to assess, manage and treat a minimum of eight complex high-risk foot patients per clinic session, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and timely specialist care while supporting patient flow, reducing complications and improving overall service performance