Supporting Better Outcomes in Cheltenham, Cirencester & the South West
Disclaimer
You may find this information useful; however, please note that some of the resources listed are not regularly updated and certain details may now be out of date.
Why Improving Diabetes Foot Care Matters
Diabetes-related complications result in a lower limb amputation every 30 seconds worldwide. People living with diabetes are estimated to be up to 30 times more likely to undergo an amputation than the general population.
The majority of diabetes-related amputations are caused by a foot ulcer that fails to heal.
These alarming figures are why we launched the Putting Feet First campaign and why we want to work with healthcare professionals across Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire to reduce avoidable amputations.
Our goal is to ensure that an integrated, evidence-based diabetes footcare pathway is in place in every local health system.
Improving Local Diabetes Foot Care Services
Healthcare teams across the South West and Midlands can access proven resources to improve outcomes and reduce amputations.
Key Resources for Service Improvement
- National Diabetes Footcare Audit (NDFA)
Participate to benchmark outcomes, identify gaps in care and drive local quality improvement. - Fixing Footcare in Sheffield: Improving the Pathway (PDF)
A case study showing how Sheffield NHS Foundation Trust dramatically reduced amputation rates using simple, scalable quality improvement techniques. - Foot Care for People with Diabetes: The Economic Case for Change
Evidence demonstrating the financial and clinical benefits of investing in early intervention and integrated footcare services across the NHS.
These resources are directly applicable to ICBs, PCNs and NHS Trusts in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.
Resources to Improve Clinical Skills
Healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care can strengthen their clinical practice using the following tools:
- Foot Risk Awareness and Management Education (FRAME)
Practical guidance on delivering a high-quality diabetic foot check. - Diabetes Foot Risk Assessment Tool
Supports consistent stratification of patients into low, moderate, high or active foot risk. - iDEAL ACT NOW Checklist (PDF)
A structured approach to improving diabetes outcomes through timely intervention and escalation.
These tools support consistent, guideline-aligned foot assessments in GP practices, community clinics and hospital settings.
Patient Resources for Consultations
The following materials are designed to support patient education and shared decision-making:
- Diabetes and Looking After Your Feet
A comprehensive guide for people living with diabetes, covering:- Daily foot care
- Warning signs of serious foot problems
- What to expect at an annual diabetes foot check
These resources are particularly useful in primary care and podiatry consultations across Cheltenham, Cirencester and surrounding counties.
Influencing Local Foot Care Pathways
We also provide position statements and care recommendations to help clinicians and commissioners:
- Influence service redesign
- Strengthen integrated footcare pathways
- Improve referral times and access to specialist teams
These can support transformation programmes within local NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards and Primary Care Networks.
Working Together to Improve Diabetes Foot Care
Are you working locally to improve foot care services for people with diabetes in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset or Worcestershire?
We would love to hear from you.
📧 Contact: T: 01451 824301, E: admin@bourtonpodiatry.co.uk
Sharing local innovation helps spread best practice and reduce avoidable amputations nationwide.
Resources to Use in Your Practice
- Diabetes and Looking After Your Feet – Waiting Room Slides
Ideal for GP surgeries, outpatient clinics and community health centres.
These slides:
- Encourage people with diabetes to attend their annual foot check
- Promote awareness of diabetic foot complications
- Provide information on how to order patient leaflets or access support
If you would like to see a podiatrist and get some expert advice, contact the Head Clinician at the Bourton Podiatry one of the most respected Podiatrists in the Cotswolds area. Telephone: 01451 824301 or Website: https://bourtonpodiatry.com/contact/
courtesy of diabetes.org.uk.