Upon my arrival at Maggs Day Centre, in the centre of Worcester, the team for the day assemble. We all look resplendent in our Forgotten Feet polo shirts. Enabling our clients be at ease we try to avoid medical uniforms as this helps to make the service a welcoming one for anyone feeling daunted or afraid.
Each session has 2 volunteer podiatrists. Working from a small, private room at the centre we have a purpose made area provided for us to carry out our work. Having privacy is important to ensure the treatments are comfortable for both patients and podiatrists. On starting our shifts and on checking the whiteboard to see who is referred for treatment, we are ready to go.
At Forgotten Feet we run an “open door” policy so anyone come and see us. This means means that each session varies in the number of people requiring treatment. Welcoming many members of the community, we build relations with lots of people who have come to rely on us on a regular basis over the years. We also welcome many people who are passing through Worcester and in need podiatry care as a one-off visit.
What foot problems do we see at Forgotten Feet?
Difficulties in providing good care and good outcomes is that the majority of our clients will walk many miles a day, this can be incredibly painful and difficult causing sore feet. We see many different foot complaints in the Forgotten Feet clinic, some of the conditions regularly treated are:
Damaged and ingrowing nails
Thick calluses and corns
Skin infections
Foot ulceration
In the clinics, we manage all these conditions, and more. When we chat with our clients, they will often open up about their lives, circumstances, and other serious issues and we are able to point them in the right direction to get the help that they need. The support of the Maggs centre helps bring direction and safety to their lives. After their treatment is completed, our patients are given fresh, clean socks, and if they need them some good-fitting, comfortable shoes. As the patients leave the clinic, without exception, they tell us how grateful they are for our help.
100% Job satisfaction is a guarantee for a Forgotten Feet podiatrist.
After making our next diary date with the fabulous staff at Maggs, I wave goodbye and head home, knowing that I’ve helped some very deserving people in our wonderful city. Jeff gets a doggy biscuit too.
You too can help Forgotten Feet
The charity is always in need of good quality trainers (with light to medium wear) and new socks. SO Podiatry has a donation box for you to pop in your unwanted trainers. When donating please ensure: trainers are are clean, paired and sealed in a plastic bag. Please write the size on the bag. If you’d prefer to make a donation click the link to find out how. Donate directly here You can really help someone become more mobile and really improve their quality of life – they are always incredibly grateful. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this fantastic community initiative and service. If you find yourself with pain in your feet or legs and would like to visit us in clinic, just get in touch today!